Accra, Ghana — The Government of Ghana is seeking a comprehensive partnership with the People’s Republic of China to transform and modernize the country’s fisheries sector. The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Hon. Emelia Arthur, made the appeal during a recent meeting with the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Tong Defa.

Hon. Arthur outlined several key areas for collaboration, including the review and enforcement of Ghana’s fisheries laws, acquisition of a research vessel, capacity building, marine pollution management, and the establishment of a Blue Economy Commission. She also called for support for critical infrastructure projects such as the Anomabo Fisheries College and the development of fisheries villages in Dambai, Yenji, and Accra.

In her remarks, the Minister underscored the importance of technical assistance, investment, and knowledge exchange in addressing challenges such as illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, improving marine research and education, and enhancing the livelihoods of coastal communities.

Ambassador Tong welcomed the proposals and expressed China’s readiness to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the fisheries sector. He also highlighted China’s recent accession to the Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA), a global treaty under the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) aimed at combating IUU fishing through port-based controls.

China’s accession to the PSMA, which took effect on 16 April 2025, brings the number of Parties to 82, with Ghana being an active member. This development presents new opportunities for Ghana and China to collaborate in ensuring sustainable fisheries governance and protecting marine ecosystems.

The proposed partnership marks a significant step forward in Ghana’s commitment to building a resilient and sustainable fisheries sector that supports food security, job creation, and economic growth in coastal communities.