Accra: The Committee on Food, Agriculture, and Cocoa Affairs and the Committee on Trade, Industry, and Tourism of Parliament has recommended that Ghana ratifies the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.
According to Ghana News Agency, this move aims to promote sustainable marine resource management and curb harmful fisheries subsidies that contribute to overcapacity, overfishing, and Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. Dr. Godfred Seidu Jasaw, Chairman of the Committee on Food, Agriculture, and Cocoa Affairs, highlighted the significance of the Agreement as a global effort to curb harmful fisheries subsidies and promote sustainable marine resource management.
Dr. Jasaw emphasized that ratification would underline Ghana's commitment to global cooperation, aligning with its roles as host of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and as a founding member of the African Union (AU). He noted that the implications of ratification included enhancing measures against IUU fishing and other unsustainable practices, improving data collection and reporting on fisheries indicators, increasing transparency among WTO members, and supporting global efforts to manage fisheries resources sustainably.
The report also identified potential benefits such as fair trade practices in domestic and international markets, job creation, poverty alleviation, national food security, and good foreign exchange earnings. However, concerns were raised about the potential impact on local fishing communities, particularly small-scale and artisanal fishers who rely on government support such as subsidies on premix fuel, outboard motors, and fishing gear.
The Committee recommended that the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture finalize a new Fisheries Bill to incorporate the provisions of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. The Committee intends to closely monitor the drafting and passage of the new legislation to ensure it reflects Ghana's international commitments and the socio-economic realities of fishing communities.
During the debate on the report, some Members of Parliament (MPs) called for sustainable practices, emphasizing environmentally friendly methods, reduction of plastic waste, and promotion of local materials for fishing gear. Mr. Habib Iddrisu, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP for Tolon, expressed concerns about potential effects on fishermen's livelihoods, suggesting plans to mitigate adverse impacts.
Mr. Murtala Mohammed, a National Democratic Congress MP for Tamale Central, and the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, advocated for investments in infrastructure and equipment to support fishing communities and improve working conditions and resources for officials in these areas.
Madam Emelia Arthur, the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, stated that the WTO agreement prohibits subsidies to vessels engaged in IUU fishing, which is relevant to Ghana's current 'yellow card' status from the European Union. She informed Parliament that the ratification's expected outcomes include enhanced sustainability, efficiency, transparency, and cooperation among WTO members, potentially boosting Ghana's fishing industry.
