Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama has unveiled a sweeping set of reforms aimed at transforming Ghana’s fisheries sector, calling for a united commitment from coastal communities, traditional leaders, and regulatory institutions to secure the nation’s marine resources for present and future generations.
Speaking at the National Conference of Chief Fishermen and Queenmothers, President Mahama urged collective responsibility in reversing the decline in fish stocks, strengthening compliance, and restoring traditional leadership structures that once anchored discipline and sustainability in fishing communities.
The President opened his address by commending the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Hon. Emelia Arthur, for the initiative to convene the national conference.
He noted that the gathering comes at a time when the world prepares to mark World Fisheries Day on November 21—a reminder, he said, that “safeguarding our oceans and coastal resources is not only a national duty but also an international obligation we must uphold for this generation and the next.”
He described the conference theme, Resetting Fisheries: Chief Fishermen and Fishmongers as Guardians and Partners in Sustainable Fisheries Management, as both “timely and visionary,” placing traditional leaders at the centre of Ghana’s International Fisheries Management Reset Agenda. According to President Mahama, their role “is neither symbolic nor ceremonial. It is essential.”
“The fisheries sector supports the livelihoods of over 3 million Ghanaians and supplies more than 60% of the protein that is consumed in Ghana.
“Our artisanal subsector, led by chief fishermen and queen fishmongers, supports 187 marine fishing communities across the Central, Greater Accra, Western, and Volta regions.”
President John Dramani Mahama
Artisanal Fishing under Threat
Yet, the President stated, the sector is under serious threat from illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, unapproved fishing gear, light fishing, transshipment at sea—locally known as “saiko”—and widespread disregard for closed seasons.
Added to these pressures are the effects of climate change, including warming waters, altered fish migration patterns, and intensifying coastal erosion. “The consequences of these are visible,” President Mahama said. “Declining catches, falling incomes, worsening poverty, and growing uncertainty for many families whose livelihoods depend on the sea.”
He stressed that confronting these challenges requires discipline, collaboration, and a coordinated national strategy. President Mahama outlined key reforms his administration has already initiated, including the Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill 2025 legislation, which establishes a modern governance and conservation framework aligned with global standards.
Among its major provisions is the extension of the inshore exclusive zone from six nautical miles to 12, a measure intended to protect artisanal fishers from industrial competition.
The legislation also introduces a formal law for artisanal fishing, imposes stiffer penalties for IUU fishing, strengthens co-management structures, and enhances transparency in the use of marine resources.
President Mahama also announced the creation of Ghana’s first marine protected area at Cape Three Points. Approved by Cabinet, the protected area will serve as a sanctuary for rebuilding fish stocks, protecting biodiversity, and strengthening the long-term ecological balance of Ghana’s ocean space.
Alongside this, he highlighted the forthcoming National Blue Economy Strategy, which is anchored on six pillars—blue wealth, health, knowledge, finance, equity, and safety and security—designed to harness the economic potential of Ghana’s coastal and marine resources.
A major theme of President Mahama’s address was the restoration of traditional leadership authority. He acknowledged that chief fishermen and queen fishmongers historically enforced discipline, allocated landing spaces, mediated disputes, and maintained order at landing sites and markets.
However, he noted that these roles have been weakened over the years by political interference and reduced institutional support. “Your authority and legitimacy have remained strong,” President Mahama said. “I pledge that this government will restore respect and formalise your roles.”
Presidential Directives
The President announced a series of directives to strengthen their leadership. These include formally integrating chief fishermen and queen fishmongers into all fisheries co-management committees, supporting district assemblies to convert traditional practices such as non-fishing days into enforceable bylaws, and establishing direct reporting channels for early detection of illegal fishing activities.
He added that the fully operationalised Anomabu Fisheries College will provide structured training in fisheries law, enforcement, conflict resolution, financial management, marine safety, and post-harvest handling.
President Mahama also pledged to integrate indigenous knowledge into stock assessments, closed season planning, and coastal management, supported by the presidential advisor on indigenous knowledge. He highlighted the appointment of Madame Cynthia Komley Adjetey to the Council of State as further recognition of the sector’s importance.
Additional measures include the allocation of GHS 50 million this year for outboard motors and fishing inputs, an upcoming clean beaches initiative that will employ coastal youth on monthly allowances, and the continued exemption of artisanal fishers from the closed season—a gesture he urged them to reciprocate through total compliance with the law.
He also revealed ongoing efforts to procure two new offshore patrol vessels for the Ghana Navy and announced budget allocations for new fish markets in Dambai and Shama, with Accra’s request under consideration.
As he concluded, President Mahama reminded traditional leaders that the future of the fisheries sector depends on collective discipline and commitment. He urged them to champion responsible fishing practices, lead community education, support peace and unity, and become “guardians of our marine resources.”
“As we celebrate World Fisheries Day 2025, let us renew our dedication to building a future in which Ghana’s fisheries are scientifically managed, community-led, economically viable, climate resilient, and equitable to all.”
President John Dramani Mahama
He called for unity in preserving Ghana’s marine heritage, declaring the conference officially open and wishing participants a meaningful celebration.
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