Ghana is seeking deeper cooperation with France in fisheries research, enforcement and marine resource management as the country intensifies efforts to address illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
The issue featured prominently when the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, met the French Ambassador to Ghana, Diarra Dime-Labille, and her delegation in Accra.
The meeting explored possible areas of partnership including fisheries research, investment, regulation, fisheries security, marine conservation and the development of Ghana’s Blue Economy.
A major focus was Ghana’s efforts to strengthen fisheries governance following the European Union’s Yellow Card over concerns about IUU fishing.
The Minister said the government was implementing measures to address the concerns and undertake the reforms required to secure the removal of the Yellow Card.
She stressed the need for stronger regulatory frameworks and enforcement systems, as well as improved monitoring, control and surveillance of Ghana’s fisheries waters.
The discussions also opened the door for greater French involvement in scientific research into Ghana’s fisheries and marine ecosystems.
France has established research institutions such as the French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea (Ifremer), the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) and the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), with expertise in ocean science, fisheries resources and marine ecosystem management.
The potential areas of scientific collaboration include artisanal, coastal and pelagic fisheries, aquaculture, climate change adaptation, biodiversity conservation and marine protected areas.
Ms Arthur said Ghana was also looking beyond traditional fishing activities as it seeks to expand production through aquaculture and explore opportunities in mariculture.
She said the broader objective was to increase fish production, create jobs and strengthen food security while ensuring that Ghana’s marine and inland water resources are sustainably managed.
The Minister further pointed to efforts to protect marine ecosystems, including the Greater Cape Three Points Marine Protected Area, as part of Ghana’s wider Blue Economy agenda.
She said the Fisheries Enforcement Unit remained central to the government’s efforts to improve surveillance and enforce fisheries laws, particularly in tackling illegal fishing.
The proposed Ghana-France cooperation comes as the country seeks to combine stronger enforcement with scientific research, investment and improved marine resource management to build a more sustainable fisheries sector.
The two sides are expected to continue discussions on areas where French expertise and investment can support Ghana’s fisheries transformation and broader Blue Economy ambitions.
