Ghana’s fisheries ministry suspends four trawlers’ licences, surpassing 2025 inspection goals

GHANA – The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development in Ghana is suspending the licences of four industrial trawlers after repeated violations of fishing laws.

Minister Emelia Arthur announced the action during a “Government Accountability Series” press briefing in Accra in August 2025.

She explained that the decision follows intensified enforcement by the Fisheries Commission to curb illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing nationwide.

According to Mrs Arthur, the ministry carried out 265 quayside inspections against an annual target of 159, while pre-departure inspections reached 210 compared to the target of 175.

She said these operations are being coordinated by the Fisheries Enforcement Unit, which works with the Ghana Navy, Marine Police and local enforcement committees.

The minister added that early on Tuesday morning, the unit detained individuals involved in the unlawful sale of premix fuel.

To strengthen monitoring, Mrs Arthur confirmed that electronic surveillance equipment has now been fitted on all industrial vessels.

She said this includes round-the-clock monitoring systems intended to enhance compliance at sea.

In addition, a new fisheries risk assessment dashboard has been developed to improve oversight of vessels and fishing operations.

Legislative changes to enforcement

The enforcement programme is being rolled out alongside the recently approved Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill, 2025.

The legislation introduces stricter penalties and provides direct oversight aimed at tackling illegal fishing practices and rebuilding depleted fish stocks.

Mrs Arthur stated that the new framework is aligned with international standards and is part of Ghana’s efforts to resolve the European Union’s yellow card warning, which has been in place for five years.

She noted that the measures are designed to safeguard marine resources and protect the livelihoods of an estimated 2.7 million Ghanaians working in the fisheries sector.

The minister emphasised that the ministry’s work over the past six months has focused on building a sustainable and better-managed fisheries and aquaculture sector that can attract investment and encourage innovation.

She said the ministry will continue to enforce the Fisheries Act in both coastal and inland waters to ensure compliance across the industry.

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