Fisheries Ministry Cancels Artisanal Fishing Ban, Norway Pledges Support
Accra, Ghana - 27 Feb, 2025 - Ghana's fisheries sector has received a significant boost with the strengthening of collaboration between Ghana and Norway.
The Norwegian Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Ingrid Mollestad, met with the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Hon. Emelia Arthur, to reaffirm Norway's commitment to supporting Ghana's fisheries sector.
Norway's Fish for Development (FfD) program has been instrumental in contributing to the sustainable management of Ghana's marine fisheries and aquaculture industry. Ghana's fisheries sector is a vital component of the country's economy, generating approximately US$1 billion in revenue each year and supporting 135,000 fishers in the marine sub-sector alone.
In a significant development, Hon. Emelia Arthur announced the cancellation of the 2025 closed fishing season for artisanal fishers, while inshore and industrial trawlers will still observe the closure. The government has assured that it remains committed to protecting fish stocks and will explore alternative conservation measures.
These measures include closing specific marine areas where fish gather to rest and spawn, as well as strengthening enforcement of traditional fishing holidays in collaboration with fisherfolk. The aim is to balance conservation efforts with the livelihoods of coastal communities while ensuring the long-term sustainability of Ghana's fisheries resources.
Source: Lead News Online
