Ghana’s Fisheries Ministry has suspended the licenses of four industrial trawlers for multiple regulatory violations, in a decisive crackdown on illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing along the country’s coastline.
The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Hon. Emelia Arthur, during a press briefing at the Government Accountability Series at the Presidency on Wednesday, July 6, 2025, says the Ministry, through the Fisheries Commission, is intensifying enforcement to ensure responsible fishing and long-term sustainability of Ghana’s marine resources.
“As part of our commitment to restoring discipline and sustainability in our marine sector, we have carried out 265 quayside inspections, well above our target of 159 and 210 pre-departure inspections, surpassing the goal of 175,” the Minister stated.
The enforcement drive also includes the installation of a 24/7 Electronic Monitoring System (EMS) on all industrial tuna vessels. This system allows real-time tracking of fishing activities and helps identify suspicious practices.
The Ministry has announced plans to expand EMS coverage to all trawlers operating in Ghanaian waters.
“These bold actions are designed to protect the livelihoods of small-scale fishers, rebuild our fish stocks, and uphold Ghana’s international commitments,” Hon. Emelia Arthur added.
In addition to field inspections, the Ministry has developed a fisheries risk assessment dashboard to detect and respond to potential infractions early.
These tools have proven vital in recent months, leading to the suspension of four trawler licenses for repeated breaches of fishing regulations, she added.
The Ministry’s tough stance reflects a broader commitment to strengthening marine governance and securing Ghana’s fisheries sector against exploitation and depletion.
The public is assured that further actions will be taken to support legal fishing practices, enhance transparency, and build resilience in coastal communities.
