Accra, 12th May 2025 – The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture (MOFA) has inaugurated a new 10-member Board of the Fisheries Commission to oversee the strategic direction and governance of Ghana’s fisheries and aquaculture sector over the next four years.
The inaugural ceremony, held at the MOFA Conference Room, was presided over by the Honourable Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mrs. Emelia Arthur (MP), who underscored the critical role of the sector in national development.
“This is not just an administrative appointment; it is a national calling,” the Minister stated. “Our sector feeds millions, employs thousands, and holds vast potential for economic transformation.”
Mrs. Arthur congratulated the newly appointed members and urged them to uphold the principles of accountability, innovation, and environmental stewardship in carrying out their duties. She highlighted the Ministry’s new vision statement as the guiding framework for the Board’s work:
“A sustainable, well-governed, resilient fisheries and aquaculture sector, driven by equity, innovation, and strategic investments, delivering food security, decent jobs, economic growth, resource and environmental stewardship, and contributing to the National Blue Economy Agenda.”
She also reminded members of the new public service Code of Conduct issued by His Excellency the President of the Republic, calling on the board to lead with transparency, patriotism, and discipline.
The Minister emphasized the need for quarterly performance reports and honest progress updates to ensure transparency and results-driven governance, stating, “Let this be a board that sets a benchmark for others.”
Members of the Newly Inaugurated Board:
- Prof. Wisdom Akpalu – Chairperson, Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA)
- Prof. Benjamin Betey Campion – Executive Director, Fisheries Commission
- Commodore Bright Emmanuel Kojo Atiayao – Ministry of Defence, Burma Camp
- Mr. Prosper Kwame Amewode – Ministry of Transport
- Mr. Cephas Adjei Mensah – Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology
- Dr. Ruby Asmah – Water Research Institute
- Ing. Eric Damuel Adu-Dankwa – Ghana Irrigation Development Authority
- Nana Jojo Solomon – National Fisheries Association of Ghana (NAFAG)
- Mr. Frank Kwesi Aihoon – Ghana Tuna Association (GTA)
- Nana Kweigyah Isaac – Canoe and Gear Owners Association
With a wealth of experience and institutional representation, the new board is expected to play a key role in enhancing policy implementation, improving sector governance, and supporting Ghana’s commitment to building a sustainable and inclusive Blue Economy.
