Ghana at Risk of EU Fisheries Ban as Government Races to Avert Red Card
By Felix Cofie
Ghana is racing against time to avoid a potential red card from the European Union, which would result in a permanent ban on fish exports to the EU market. The country is currently under a yellow card warning due to persistent illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices.
Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Emelia Arthur, says government is working urgently to address the EU’s concerns. Speaking at a stakeholder consultative meeting with the Parliamentary Select Committee on Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs and the Attorney General’s Department, the Minister warned that failure to act swiftly could have dire consequences for Ghana’s fisheries economy.
Minister Arthur also called on industry players to contribute meaningfully to the ongoing discussions around a new fisheries bill, which she says is key to transforming Ghana’s blue economy.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs, Godfred Jasaw Seidu, stressed the importance of moving quickly on the bill, warning that Ghana’s relationship with the EU is at a critical juncture.
If passed, the proposed legislation is expected to tighten regulation across the sector, boost compliance with international standards, and ultimately secure Ghana’s position in the global fisheries market.
