The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, has committed to accelerating efforts to resolve the European Union’s (EU) concerns over illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities, which have led to Ghana receiving a “Yellow Card.”
She emphasized the importance of lifting the EU’s ban, noting its significant impact on industrial fishers, particularly those exporting tuna—a sector contributing nearly $400 million annually to the economy.
“The EU has outlined several issues that need to be addressed before the yellow card can be lifted,” she explained. “The government is already working diligently to address these concerns, particularly in collaboration with fishing communities involved in these activities.”
Ms. Arthur reaffirmed the government’s commitment to aligning Ghana’s fisheries regulations with international standards to restore compliance and safeguard the country’s seafood exports to the EU market.
As part of this effort, she called for a review of the Fisheries Act 625, a bill that was previously withdrawn from Parliament for further revisions, especially to address gaps in inland fisheries and aquaculture.
“Addressing these challenges is crucial to maintaining this trade and securing foreign exchange for the country,” she added, responding to a question from Patrick Boamah, the Member of Parliament for Okaikwei Central, on the impact of the EU’s yellow card.
The Minister’s pledge highlights the government’s determination to resolve the fishing sector’s issues, restore international trade relations, and ensure sustainable practices moving forward.
