Ghana and Türkiye are preparing to establish a new technical cooperation framework for fisheries and aquaculture, opening a potentially significant new front in the two countries’ economic relations.
The initiative emerged from high-level bilateral talks held at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) headquarters in Rome, Italy, between Ghana’s Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture and Türkiye’s Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Forestry, Ebubekir Gizligider.
The meeting is aimed at translating the longstanding diplomatic relationship between Accra and Ankara into concrete investment, technological and commercial opportunities in Ghana’s fisheries sector.
Ghana and Türkiye have maintained diplomatic relations since 1958, with bilateral trade expected to surpass US$1 billion by 2027. However, fisheries and aquaculture have so far remained largely outside the core areas of formal economic cooperation.
The latest discussions seek to change that by bringing Turkish capital, technology and technical expertise into Ghana’s aquaculture value chain.
Türkiye’s growing capabilities in aquaculture production, fish health and marine technology have been identified as areas from which Ghana could benefit as it seeks to expand domestic fish production and reduce pressure on marine resources.
Under the proposed cooperation, Turkish companies and financial institutions could be encouraged to invest in commercial cage culture, hatcheries, feed mills and recirculating aquaculture systems.
The partnership is also expected to extend beyond investment.
Ghanaian and Turkish research institutions could collaborate on fish stock assessments, disease control and farming techniques designed to withstand the effects of climate change.
Another major area is post-harvest infrastructure.
The two countries are considering cooperation in seafood processing and cold-chain systems, with the aim of improving the quality and marketability of Ghanaian fish products for export to Türkiye.
The arrangement could also create opportunities for Turkish companies seeking access to the wider African market through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Fisheries governance is also expected to feature prominently, particularly the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Türkiye could share expertise in vessel monitoring systems and data-driven fisheries controls, while Ghanaian institutions and private operators would benefit from technical training and field exchanges.
The proposed cooperation would include capacity-building for Ghanaian scientists, extension officers and fish farmers.
The two countries are expected to agree in principle to establish a Ghana-Türkiye Fisheries and Aquaculture Technical Cooperation Framework.
A joint working group is expected to identify immediate priorities and prepare a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) covering institutional cooperation, technical exchanges and private-sector partnerships.
The proposed agreement could give Ghana access to additional investment and technology as the country seeks to expand aquaculture, strengthen food security, create jobs and increase earnings from value-added seafood exports.
For Türkiye, the partnership offers an opportunity to deepen its commercial presence in Ghana while using the country as a gateway to the wider African market.
The initiative therefore places fisheries and aquaculture at the centre of a broader attempt by Accra and Ankara to diversify their economic relationship.
