Accra: President John Dramani Mahama has assented to the Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill, 2025, marking a historic milestone in Ghana's fisheries governance. The new Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025, Act 1146, introduces reforms aimed at ensuring sustainability, compliance, and improved livelihood, especially among small-scale fishers.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture announced the assent in a statement. The legislation, passed by Parliament in July 2025, represents a significant step towards building a sustainable, equitable, and economically viable fisheries sector that meets international standards.
Key highlights of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act 2025 include the establishment of an Independent Fisheries Commission, a fully autonomous body tasked with developing, managing, and conserving fisheries and aquaculture resources. The Act strengthens the legal and regulatory framework by aligning with international best practices, enhancing Ghana's reputation, and securing access to global markets.
The law also safeguards seafood exports, ensuring the protection of over $425 million in annual seafood exports by closing compliance gaps and avoiding trade sanctions. It provides stricter enforcement measures through the introduction of tougher penalties against illegal fishing to restore depleted fish stocks and protect marine biodiversity.
The legislation aims to protect fisherfolks by improving safety, security, and welfare standards for crew and workers on fishing vessels. The assented bill has also led to the expansion of the Inshore Exclusive Zone (IEZ) from six to 12 nautical miles, protecting breeding grounds and ensuring more catches to sustain the livelihoods of over 2.7 million artisanal fishers and food security.
The statement emphasized that the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025, is a landmark law that secures Ghana's fisheries resources, supports livelihoods, strengthens compliance with international trade standards, and positions the sector for long-term growth and sustainability.
