Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Hon. Emilia Arthur has announced Cabinet’s approval for the establishment of Ghana’s First Marine Protected Area (MPA) at the Greater Cape Three Point Area in the Western Region.
Addressing a news conference in Accra on Monday (October 20,2025), the Minister emphasized that this is a significant national milestone in Ghana’s ongoing commitment to sustainable marine resource management, biodiversity protection, and support for the livelihoods of coastal communities reliant on fisheries for income and food security.
Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Hon. Emilia Arthur addressing the media
“On Tuesday, 7th October 2025, Cabinet gave approval for the creation of Ghana’s First Marine Protected Area (MPA) within the Greater Cape Three Points area of the Western Region. This momentous decision underscores the Government’s dedication to responsible stewardship of Ghana’s marine resources, as well as its continued support for coastal communities whose wellbeing depends largely on fisheries for employment, income, nutritional needs, and cultural heritage”, Hon. Arthur emphasized.
The SHAMA Member of Parliament explained that the decision has been necessitated by the fact that Ghana’s marine fisheries have been under severe pressure from overfishing, habitat destruction, pollution, and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
She added as a result, domestic fish production has decreased, leading the country to import over 79,000 metric tons of fish annually to fulfill local demand maintaining that if current trends continue, these factors may further impact both marine ecosystem health and the livelihoods of coastal communities.
“Over the past two decades, the Government of Ghana has introduced various policy and legal frameworks, including the Fisheries Act, 2002 (Act 625), the National Co-Management Policy (2020) and several Marine Fisheries Management Plans among other, aimed at improving governance, promoting compliance and supporting sustainability in the fisheries sector
Despite these efforts, scientific assessments and stakeholder consultations indicate that the existing measures are insufficient to reverse the decline of commercially important fish stocks, particularly small pelagic species”, she revealed.
The minister stressed that historically, Ghana’s fisheries management has primarily utilized non-spatial methods such as seasonal closures and gear restrictions, however, there is an increasing focus on implementing additional spatial measures in response to current ecological concerns.
She said the adoption of spatial management tools, including Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), is intended to support fish stock recovery and ecosystem stability adding that this approach follows international practices and reflects government efforts to update the fisheries sector.
“It aims to integrate scientific research, stakeholder input, and coordination among ministries to set feasible goals and establish practical implementation strategies.
Hence, Cabinet approval of the first MPA in Ghana, yet to be established, represents a timely and strategic intervention to restore our ocean health, rebuild our fish stocks as well as boost the productivity of our fisheries”, the Shama MP emphasized.
According to her, the Greater Cape Three Points Area, covering about 700 square kilometers and stretching from Ampatano to Domunli which has been scientifically identified as the most suitable location for establishing an MPA does not intend to prohibit fishing activities entirely.
She revealed that its objective is to promote sustainable fishing practices that do not adversely impact the livelihoods of local fishing communities adding that the area is a critical breeding and nursery ground for sardinellas and other species, as well as an important migratory route for whales and dolphins. It also provides nesting grounds for marine turtles.
Hon. Arthur who said the declaration of the MPA would officially take effect in the second quarter of 2026 maintained that the Ministry would intensify public education and awareness on the MPA, map out and gazette the designation of the Greater Cape Three Points MPA as well as Conduct inter-ministerial engagement to build support for its implementation.
Other measures of the Ministry include declaring the MPA and collaborating with participating communities, NGOs and faith-based organisations to integrate local knowledge into the development and implementation of management plan.
Source: www.senaradioonline.com
