Accra, Ghana
The Ghana Association of Foreign Tuna Operators has met with the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Hon. Emelia Arthur, to discuss pressing challenges facing the tuna sector and propose collaborative solutions aimed at sustaining the industry.
The courtesy call, was led by the Association’s President, Mr. Emman J. T. Samson. The meeting highlighted several systemic issues undermining the operational effectiveness and competitiveness of the tuna industry in Ghana.
Fisheries Minister, Hon. Emilia Arthur
Key issues raised included:
• Delays in Fishing License Renewals: Operators expressed concern about persistent inefficiencies due to unclear timelines and inconsistent documentation requirements, which have created operational uncertainties and frequent administrative bottlenecks.
• Prolonged Access Arrangement Renewals: The group cited the slow and inconsistent renewal of access agreements between the government and industry operators as a challenge that undermines compliance and erodes investor confidence.
• Need for Interim Digital Solutions: While welcoming the Ministry’s digitization agenda, the Association proposed interim measures that would allow operators to submit license applications and documentation via email to streamline processes and reduce delays.
• Uncompetitive License Fee Structure: Ghana’s fishing license fees were flagged as being significantly higher than those in neighboring countries. Combined with declining catch volumes, these costs have contributed to a steep drop in the number of operational tuna vessels, from 11 in 2017 to just 3 in 2024. This decline is affecting not only the industry’s viability but also government revenue.
In response, Hon. Emelia Arthur reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that regulatory frameworks support both sustainable fisheries management and the business environment. She assured the Association that her office will engage relevant state institutions to address the concerns raised and work toward practical solutions.
“The Ministry is committed to creating a balanced regulatory environment that supports industry growth while safeguarding our national interest and marine resources,” the Minister stated.
This engagement underscores the importance of continuous dialogue between government and industry stakeholders in addressing structural challenges and building a resilient and competitive fisheries sector.
source:www.senaradioonline.com
