Ghana to Spotlight Inland Fisheries at the 2026 edition of the World Fisheries Day with a three day national celebration in Sunyani, Bono Region, from November 19 to 21, bringing together policymakers, traditional authorities, fisheries stakeholders, fishers and the general public to examine the future of inland fisheries and their contribution to national development.
The event scheduled to take place at the Bank of Ghana Auditorium of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) will feature the Vice and President of the Republic of Ghana, and Special Guest of Honour, H.E. Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang.
Alongside the Omanhene of the Sunyani Traditional Area and President of the Sunyani Traditional Council, Odeefuor Ogyeamansan Boahen Korkor II.
The programme is expected to provide a national platform for policy discussions, stakeholder engagement, industry recognition and commercial opportunities, particularly for communities whose livelihoods depend on inland fishing and related economic activities.
“Sustaining Inland Fisheries for Food Security, Decent Jobs and a Resilient Blue Economy.”
World Fisheries Day
Inland Fisheries and Ghana’s Food Security
The focus on inland fisheries comes at a time when Ghana faces increasing pressure to strengthen domestic fish production, improve resource management and reduce vulnerabilities in its food supply system.
Fish remains an important source of animal protein for Ghanaian households, contributing significantly to nutrition, household incomes and economic activities across the country.
According to the National Development Planning Commission’s 2024 Annual Progress Report, fish contributed approximately 60 per cent of Ghana’s animal protein intake in 2024, while annual per capita fish consumption was estimated at 20 kilogrammes.
The report further indicated that inland capture fisheries production declined from approximately 147,583 metric tonnes in 2023 to 131,552 metric tonnes in 2024, missing the annual production target of 166,513 metric tonnes.
The decline highlights the need for stronger interventions to improve inland fishery management, protect aquatic ecosystems and strengthen the resilience of fishing communities.
Some factors identified as affecting inland fisheries include overfishing, climate variability and the effects of the Akosombo Dam spillage, which disrupted fishing activities and affected aquatic resources and livelihoods.
“Inland capture fisheries production declined to 131,552 metric tonnes in 2024 from 147,583 metric tonnes in 2023.”
National Development planning Commission, 2024
Beyond fish production, the sector supports several economic activities, including fish processing, smoking, transportation, distribution, storage and trading. Women, in particular, play significant roles in processing and marketing fish, making the sustainability of the sector relevant to household incomes and women’s economic participation.
The Ghana National Aquaculture Development Plan also identifies fisheries and aquaculture as important contributors to employment, wealth creation, nutrition and economic development, estimating that the sector provides direct and indirect employment opportunities for approximately three million people along its value chain.
Policy Dialogue to Drive Sector Transformation
A major component of the three day celebration will be the National Inland Fisheries Conference, which is expected to bring together relevant stakeholders to examine the opportunities, policy gaps and institutional interventions required to improve inland fisheries.
The conference will provide an avenue for discussions on sustainable fishing practices, aquatic resource conservation, responsible harvesting, improved production systems and the protection of water bodies.
Policy dialogue will also be central to the programme, creating opportunities for government institutions, industry players, traditional authorities and fishing communities to engage on practical approaches to addressing the challenges confronting the sector.
The discussions are particularly important as Ghana seeks to balance the economic benefits of fisheries with the need to preserve aquatic ecosystems for future generations.
The 2024 fisheries figures published in the national development report show that aquaculture production reached approximately 121,809 metric tonnes, while marine fish production stood at 442,361 metric tonnes. Inland fisheries recorded 131,552 metric tonnes during the same period.
These figures demonstrate the importance of developing complementary production systems while ensuring that inland fishing resources are managed responsibly.
“The fisheries and aquaculture sector provides direct and indirect employment opportunities for approximately 3 million people along its value chain.”
Ghana National Aquaculture Development Plan
Fish Fair and National Awards Highlight Opportunities
The celebration will feature a Bono Fish Fair, providing an opportunity to showcase fish products, value-added activities, businesses and innovations within the fisheries value chain.
The fair is expected to create networking opportunities for fishers, processors, traders, entrepreneurs, investors and other industry participants.
For small scale fish processors and traders, such engagements can help improve market visibility, encourage business development and strengthen connections between producers and consumers.
The programme will also include the National Fisheries Awards, an initiative designed to recognise contributions and achievements within the fisheries sector
“Building a sustainable future for our fisheries sector requires collaboration, responsible resource management and investment across the value chain.”
World Fisheries Day
World Fisheries Day 2026 is therefore expected to serve as a platform for strengthening collaboration among government, traditional authorities, private-sector operators, researchers and fishing communities towards a more productive, inclusive and resilient fisheries sector.
READ ALSO:Analyst Flags Inflation Risks as Ghana’s Bond Market Turnover Crashes 44%
