Accra: The Canoe and Fishing Gear Owners Association of Ghana (CaFGOAG), representing artisanal fishers, has expressed gratitude to parliament for the passage of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill 2025. A key component of the bill is the extension of Ghana's Inshore Exclusive Zone (IEZ) from six to 12 nautical miles.
According to Ghana News Agency, parliament passed the bill on Wednesday, following its introduction by Madam Emelia Arthur, the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, on June 3, 2025. The bill aims to review and consolidate existing laws to ensure sustainable fisheries resource exploitation.
The bill, pending presidential assent, intends to establish the Fisheries Commission, tasked with the conservation, development, management, and utilization of fisheries and aquaculture resources. This legislative move has been long anticipated by CaFGOAG, who have advocated for stronger protection of inshore waters.
Nana Kweigyah, National President of CaFGOAG, highlighted this development as a significant victory for small-scale fishing communities. He emphasized that the extension would safeguard the livelihoods of thousands of artisanal fishers, protect crucial marine habitats, and support the recovery of depleted fish stocks, thereby benefiting food security and local economies.
CaFGOAG commended the Parliamentary Select Committee on Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs, the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, and the Fisheries Commission for their roles in this legislative achievement. The Association also acknowledged the efforts of the Transform Bottom Trawling Coalition in advocating for this change.
Nana Kweigyah described the extension as a progressive step that aligns with Ghana's commitment to marine conservation and the rights of small-scale fishers, as outlined in the FAO Voluntary Guidelines for Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries. He called for effective implementation, including strong monitoring and enforcement measures, to ensure the extended IEZ's success.
The Association pledged to work closely with authorities, engaging fishers in participatory monitoring and surveillance to uphold the integrity of the newly extended zone.
