The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Hon. Emelia Arthur, joined high-level stakeholders at the 2025 Ghana-European Union (EU) Partnership Dialogue, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Accra. The event aimed to reinforce the enduring relationship between Ghana and the EU while setting the stage for deepened cooperation across key sectors.
In his keynote address, President of the Republic, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, welcomed the EU delegation and emphasized the significance of the dialogue as more than a diplomatic tradition. “This is a demonstration of our mutual commitment to building a resilient, forward-looking partnership,” he said. President Mahama also invited EU investors to explore opportunities in Ghana’s growing agribusiness sector, positioning the country as a regional hub for innovation and trade.
Touching on fisheries governance, the President highlighted the ongoing review of Ghana’s Fisheries Act, describing it as part of a comprehensive effort to address concerns raised by the EU. He reiterated Ghana’s resolve to implement reforms that would ultimately lead to the lifting of the yellow card warning issued by the EU in response to illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities.
The EU Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Irchad Razaaly, praised the Government of Ghana for its proactive approach, describing the dialogue as an opportunity to evaluate progress made since the last engagement in May 2024. He commended Ghana’s commitment to transparency and collaboration, underscoring the EU’s readiness to work closely with Ghana in advancing sustainable development, good governance, and regional security.
Hon. Emelia Arthur, participating in a focused roundtable on security and sustainability, advocated for stronger support in maritime surveillance. She highlighted the critical need for additional monitoring vessels to safeguard Ghana’s fisheries resources and enhance the country’s capacity to combat IUU fishing. “Effective ocean governance depends on our ability to respond swiftly to threats and secure our marine resources,” she stressed.
The 2025 Ghana-EU Partnership Dialogue marked a renewed chapter in bilateral relations, with both parties expressing optimism about the future of Ghana-EU cooperation in trade, governance, maritime security, and sustainable development.
