Ghana is seeking to address outstanding concerns over illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing as it works with the European Union to have its yellow card status lifted.
The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, led a Ghanaian delegation to Rome for high-level discussions with officials of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE).
The meeting formed part of the ongoing Ghana-EU IUU Fishing Dialogue Process and focused on measures required to strengthen Ghana’s compliance with international fisheries standards.
A major issue on the agenda was Ghana’s EU yellow card, issued in 2021 over concerns relating to the country’s efforts to combat IUU fishing.
The discussions reviewed Ghana’s progress in addressing the issues that led to the warning, while identifying further actions needed to secure the removal of the status.
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The two sides also considered ways to improve monitoring, control and enforcement within Ghana’s territorial waters as part of efforts to curb illegal fishing activities.
Ghana’s fisheries governance framework was another key area of discussion, with attention on strengthening compliance standards and updating domestic laws governing the sector.
The engagement also placed emphasis on protecting Ghana’s marine resources and the livelihoods of coastal communities that depend on fishing.
The government said stronger management of the sector is also critical to safeguarding Ghana’s seafood export markets and maintaining sustainable fish stocks for future generations.
The engagement with the European Commission forms part of Ghana’s broader efforts to strengthen fisheries governance and protect the country’s marine resources.
The government says the collaboration reflects its commitment to developing a sustainable blue economy while working with international partners to address challenges confronting the fisheries sector.
