The Chairperson of Parliament’s Select Committee on Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs, Godfred Seidu Jasaw, has underscored the importance of collaboration and open dialogue between government and industry players as Ghana prepares to implement the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025 (Act 1146).
Speaking at a stakeholder engagement in Tema, Hon. Jasaw noted that Parliament’s role goes beyond passing laws, stressing that effective implementation depends on listening to those directly affected by new regulations. According to him, engagements such as this are critical to ensuring that the law is practical, fair, and responsive to the realities of the fisheries sector.
The meeting, organised by the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture, brought together members of the Ghana Industrial Trawlers Association (GITA) and the Ghana Tuna Association (GTA), alongside policymakers and regulators, to discuss the way forward ahead of the full rollout of the new law.
Hon. Jasaw explained that the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025 (Act 1146) represents a major reform aimed at strengthening governance, improving compliance, and promoting long-term sustainability in Ghana’s fisheries. He assured industry players that Parliament remains committed to working with them to address concerns, fine-tune regulations, and support responsible business growth.
Also present at the engagement was the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, who highlighted government’s commitment to building a strong partnership with the industrial and tuna fishing sub-sectors. She described the engagement as a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, clarify provisions of the new law, and jointly identify solutions to challenges affecting fish stocks, compliance, and industry competitiveness.
Participants discussed key issues including regulatory clarity, sustainability of fish stocks, compliance requirements, and the need for continued dialogue between government, Parliament, and industry stakeholders. The session allowed association members to share their perspectives and propose practical approaches to implementing the new law without disrupting livelihoods or investment.
The engagement took place on Tuesday, 10th February 2026, at the NAFAG Hall in Tema and was attended by members of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs, officials of the Ministry, and leaders of the two associations.
Stakeholders welcomed the initiative, describing it as a positive step toward building trust and ensuring that the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025 (Act 1146) delivers on its promise of a more sustainable, transparent, and resilient fisheries sector for Ghana.
