Ghana’s Parliament has ratified the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, marking a significant milestone in the country’s commitment to sustainable ocean governance. The ratification, spearheaded by Minister for Fisheries & Aquaculture Emelia Arthur and Minister for Trade, Agribusiness & Industry Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, aims to eliminate illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, protect marine ecosystems, and restore depleted fish stocks.
This move demonstrates Ghana’s dedication to meeting global obligations under SDG 14.6 by 2025 and complements the implementation of the Marine Fisheries Management Plan (2022-2026) and the upcoming rollout of Marine Protected Areas. Emelia Arthur emphasized that the ratification aligns with the government’s plan to restore marine fish stocks and build a resilient, equitable fisheries sector.
The next steps include transmitting the Assent document to the WTO Secretariat, incorporating the Agreement into national law, and engaging stakeholders for smooth implementation. With this ratification, Ghana joins the global movement to make ocean resources fair, sustainable, and future-proof, potentially setting a precedent for sustainable fisheries governance across Africa.
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