Accra, Ghana – July 2025
The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development has officially inaugurated the National Multistakeholder Group (MSG) for the Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI), marking a major step in Ghana’s quest for greater transparency and sustainability in the management of its fisheries and aquaculture resources.
The inauguration ceremony, held in Accra, brought together key stakeholders from government institutions, fisher folk associations, industry leaders, academia, civil society organizations, development partners, and the media. The event highlighted the government’s commitment to fostering open, inclusive, and accountable governance within the fisheries sector.
In her keynote address, the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Hon. Emelia Arthur, described the occasion as a “significant milestone” for the sector. She emphasized the vital role of transparency in promoting responsible fisheries management, curbing illegal activities, and protecting the livelihoods of millions of Ghanaians who depend on marine and inland fishery resources.
“Transparency is not merely about sharing information; it is about building trust among stakeholders, combating illegal fishing, protecting livelihoods, and safeguarding our marine ecosystems for future generations,” the Minister stated.
FiTI is a global initiative that sets standards for transparent and accountable fisheries governance. The National Multistakeholder Group (MSG), the core structure of the initiative, will oversee the implementation of FiTI in Ghana. It comprises representatives from government, civil society, the private sector, and academia, and will ensure that fisheries data and decision-making processes are credible, inclusive, and accessible to the public.
Hon. Emelia Arthur urged the newly inaugurated MSG members to carry out their mandate with dedication and impartiality, noting that their work will be instrumental in shaping the future of fisheries governance in the country.
The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s full support for the FiTI process, promising the provision of policy backing, technical support, and political will to drive the initiative forward. She also called on development partners, industry actors, and civil society organizations to collaborate with the Ministry in strengthening compliance with national and international fisheries regulations, empowering coastal communities, and promoting sustainable fishing practices.
“We commend FiTI for this strong partnership and extend an open invitation to other partners of goodwill to join us in restoring sanity to our marine spaces, enhancing transparency, and uniting efforts to combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing,” she said.
The inauguration of the FiTI MSG signals the beginning of a transformative journey towards a transparent, inclusive, and sustainable fisheries sector in Ghana—one that prioritizes the welfare of present and future generations.
