Ghana is seeking deeper cooperation with France on fisheries research, enforcement and marine resource management as the government intensifies efforts to address concerns over illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and secure the removal of the European Union’s Yellow Card.
The issue featured prominently when the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, met the Ambassador of France to Ghana, Diarra Dime-Labille, and her delegation at the Ministry in Accra.
The meeting explored potential areas of collaboration including fisheries research, investment, regulation, fisheries security, marine resource management and the development of Ghana’s Blue Economy.
Ms Arthur said the Ministry was intensifying measures to strengthen fisheries governance and regulatory compliance in response to the concerns underlying the EU Yellow Card.
She identified stronger regulatory frameworks, improved enforcement and enhanced monitoring, control and surveillance systems as key measures required to ensure the sustainable management of Ghana’s fisheries resources.
The discussions also examined opportunities for scientific cooperation and knowledge exchange, drawing on France’s expertise in ocean science and marine resource management.
Potential areas include research into artisanal, coastal and pelagic fisheries, aquaculture development, climate change adaptation, biodiversity conservation and marine protected area management.
French research institutions, including the French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea (Ifremer), the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) and the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), were identified as potential sources of scientific and technical cooperation.
Ms Arthur also outlined Ghana’s plans to expand production across the marine, inland fisheries and aquaculture sectors, including exploring opportunities in mariculture, with the aim of improving fish production, creating jobs and strengthening food security.
She further highlighted efforts to protect marine resources, including within the Greater Cape Three Points Marine Protected Area, as part of Ghana’s broader Blue Economy agenda.
The Minister said effective regulation and enforcement remained central to sustainable fisheries management, with the Fisheries Enforcement Unit (FEU) playing a key role in surveillance, combating illegal fishing and enforcing fisheries laws and regulations.
The engagement forms part of efforts to strengthen cooperation between Ghana and France in using scientific research, investment and improved governance to support sustainable fisheries and marine resource management.
