Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has called for the formal recognition and integration of indigenous knowledge from coastal communities into national policy during a working visit to the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development.
Accompanied by the sector minister, Emelia Arthur, the Vice President emphasized that the deep expertise of fisherfolk and fishmongers regarding sea patterns and traditional practices is essential for the sustainable management of Ghana’s aquatic resources.
During the engagement, the Ministry outlined several institutional reforms, including the progress of the National Premix Fuel Secretariat and plans for a dedicated Blue Economy Commission. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to coordinate the nation’s marine assets and address long-standing challenges such as the European Union’s “yellow card” warning on illegal fishing.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang noted that the passage of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act of 2025 and the establishment of Ghana’s first Marine Protected Area are significant milestones in restoring fish stocks and securing long-term economic growth.
The Vice President, who reflected on her own roots in a fishing community, stressed that the profession deserves dignity and increased investment. She highlighted the importance of professionalizing the sector through projects like the Fisheries College at Anomabo and the need for innovation in aquaculture and laboratory breeding to address fish supply deficits.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang also urged the Ministry to remain vigilant against environmental threats such as illegal mining and plastic pollution, which continue to jeopardize the health of Ghana’s waters.
Concluding her visit, the Vice President commended the Ministry for its diverse expertise and results-driven leadership. She encouraged continued inter-governmental collaboration and a focus on value addition across the fisheries supply chain to ensure that the “wealth in the water” translates into improved living standards for all stakeholders in the industry.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
