Ghana has taken a significant step toward strengthening fisheries governance and advancing its blue economy agenda with the official launch of a new multi-stakeholder project aimed at improving enforcement and transparency within the sector.
The initiative, known as the IEZ Enforcement and Transparency Policies Implementation (IEZET) Project, was formally launched by the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Hon. Emelia Arthur, at a stakeholder engagement held at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel. The project will be implemented by the Ghana Fisheries Alliance in partnership with Hen Mpoano and Environmental Justice Foundation.
The project is being carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture and the Fisheries Commission, with funding support from the Oak Foundation and Oceans 5. It is expected to run over a three-year period.
The IEZET Project is designed to promote sustainable and resilient fisheries through stronger enforcement of regulations, enhanced transparency across the value chain, inclusive governance systems, and spatial protection measures. Ultimately, it seeks to contribute to improved food security and support Ghana’s broader blue economy transformation.
A key focus of the initiative is to support the Government of Ghana in operationalising the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025 (Act 1146) through a structured reform pathway. This includes strengthening Inshore Exclusion Zone (IEZ) enforcement and compliance, improving transparency and market access, reinforcing governance and institutional capacity, and laying the groundwork for a National Marine Protected Areas policy, including interventions in the Volta Estuary.
Country Director of GFRA, Socrates Segbor, outlined the scope of the project, highlighting its alignment with national priorities and its consortium-based implementation approach. He also acknowledged the critical role of implementing partners and donors in driving the initiative forward.
Formally launching the project, Minister Emelia Arthur described the initiative as both timely and strategic, noting its strong alignment with Ghana’s reform agenda under the new fisheries law.
She emphasised that while the launch marks an important milestone, the real challenge lies in effective implementation. The Minister called for sustained collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the project delivers tangible results, particularly in rebuilding fish stocks and protecting marine resources.
Hon. Arthur further expressed optimism about ongoing efforts to develop regulations to support the new law, describing the pace of progress as encouraging for the future of the sector.
The launch event brought together a broad range of stakeholders, including fisheries organisations, academia, and policymakers, all united in a shared commitment to strengthening Ghana’s fisheries management systems and ensuring long-term sustainability of marine resources.
