Ghana risks losing access to EU fish market over unsanitary fishing practices
EU threatens red card by 2026 if illegal fishing continues
GHANA – Ghana could be barred from exporting fish to the European Union (EU) if it fails to improve monitoring and regulation within its fishing sector.
The country has already received two yellow card warnings from the EU—first in 2013 and again in 2021—due to concerns over illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
At a stakeholder forum held in Accra, Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Food, Aquaculture and Cocoa Affairs, Dr. Godfred Seidu Jasaw, warned that Ghana will face a red card if the issues remain unresolved by 2026.
A red card would result in a complete ban on fish exports to the EU, which could have severe implications for Ghana’s economy and fishing communities.
The meeting was convened to discuss and finalise a proposed Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill currently under review in Parliament.
Dr. Jasaw explained that while the draft law has addressed many EU concerns, stakeholder input remains crucial to align the bill with international standards.
The proposed legislation, which includes over 160 clauses and 170 sections, seeks to streamline the sector by regulating inland fisheries, aquaculture, and setting penalties for various violations.
Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Emelia Arthur noted that an estimated three million Ghanaians rely on the fishing industry, highlighting the urgency of addressing regulatory lapses.
She said Ghana is one of the top exporters of fish products to the EU and a potential ban would lead to a significant drop in foreign exchange earnings.
According to Mrs. Arthur, the bill has been laid before Parliament under a certificate of urgency and will later be shared with the EU and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) for further review before it becomes law.
Concerns raised during the meeting included the need to strengthen enforcement, particularly by holding foreign vessel captains accountable for illegal activities in Ghanaian waters.
Participants argued that instead of simply deporting offenders, Ghanaian authorities should prosecute them locally to set a precedent for future violations.
They also stressed the importance of complying with international agreements on resource management to avoid trade penalties.
If approved, the Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill could serve as the foundation for restoring order in the sector and preventing the looming trade ban.
A halt on fish exports to the EU could cost Ghana millions in revenue, as annual seafood exports to the bloc are estimated at over US$200 million.
Sign up to HERE receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
