The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Hon. Emelia Arthur, has held a high-level meeting with the Ambassador of France to Ghana, H.E. Diarra Dime-Labille, and her delegation to explore areas of collaboration aimed at strengthening Ghana’s fisheries and marine resources sector.
The courtesy call, held at the Ministry in Accra, focused on potential partnerships in fisheries research, investment, regulation, fisheries security, marine resource management, and the advancement of Ghana’s Blue Economy Agenda.
A key area of discussion was Ghana’s ongoing efforts to strengthen fisheries governance and regulatory compliance, particularly in response to the European Union’s Yellow Card issued over concerns relating to illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Hon. Emelia Arthur noted that the Ministry is intensifying measures to address these concerns and is committed to achieving the reforms necessary for the removal of the Yellow Card.
The Minister emphasized the importance of strengthening regulatory frameworks, enhancing enforcement mechanisms, and improving monitoring, control and surveillance systems to ensure the sustainable management of Ghana’s fisheries resources.
The discussions also highlighted opportunities for scientific cooperation and knowledge exchange. France, through its renowned 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), possesses extensive expertise in ocean science, fisheries resources and marine ecosystem management.
Both parties explored opportunities for collaboration in fisheries and marine research, covering artisanal, coastal and pelagic fisheries, aquaculture development, climate change adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and marine protected area management.
Speaking during the meeting, Hon. Emelia Arthur reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to transforming Ghana’s marine, inland and aquaculture sectors, including exploring opportunities in mariculture, to increase fish production, create employment opportunities and enhance food security.
She also highlighted ongoing efforts to protect Ghana’s marine resources, particularly within the Greater Cape Three Points Marine Protected Area, while advancing sustainable ocean governance under the country’s Blue Economy Agenda.
The Minister further stressed the importance of effective regulation and enforcement across the fisheries sector, noting that the Fisheries Enforcement Unit (FEU) remains central to efforts to strengthen surveillance, combat illegal fishing activities and ensure compliance with fisheries laws and regulations.
The engagement between Ghana and France reflects a shared commitment to leveraging science, research, investment and strong governance to build a resilient and sustainable fisheries sector while unlocking the full potential of Ghana’s Blue Economy.
