Fisheries Minister commits to expanding support for Women in Ghana’s Blue Economy

The Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, has unveiled a bold vision to reposition Ghana’s fisheries and aquaculture sector, with a strong focus on sustainability, modernisation, and women’s empowerment.

Addressing participants at the National Forum on Women in Government and Media on February 19, 2026, she described her appointment as both a privilege and a solemn duty. She noted that the fisheries sector not only feeds the nation but also sustains livelihoods and supports coastal and riverine communities across Ghana.

According to her, fisheries and aquaculture remain critical to food security, poverty reduction, and economic development. She emphasised that women play a pivotal role in the value chain.

“Across our landing sites, markets and processing centres, women are the backbone of this sector — as processors, traders, entrepreneurs and community leaders,” she said, pledging to ensure their contributions are recognised, strengthened and safeguarded.

The Minister explained that her leadership is anchored on three key pillars: sustainability, modernisation and inclusivity.

On sustainability, she underscored the urgent need to protect oceans, rivers and lakes from overfishing, illegal activities and environmental degradation. She stressed that enhanced enforcement, improved data systems and the promotion of responsible fishing practices are essential to preserving fish stocks for future generations.

Highlighting aquaculture as the future of fish production in Ghana, the Minister disclosed that the Ministry is intensifying support for fish farmers through the provision of improved fingerlings, quality feed, access to finance and extension services, as well as modern production technologies. These interventions, she noted, are aimed at increasing output and reducing reliance on fish imports.

She further outlined plans to strengthen value addition through improved local processing, expanded cold-chain infrastructure and enhanced market access. This strategy, she said, will create employment opportunities — particularly for young people and women — while boosting foreign exchange earnings.

The Minister also reaffirmed government’s commitment to improving infrastructure at landing sites, enhancing safety at sea, expanding insurance coverage and introducing social protection measures for vulnerable fishing households.

“Our fishermen and fish farmers must operate safely and profitably,” she stated.

She revealed that the Ministry has facilitated the enactment of a new law to address evolving challenges within the sector, adding that collaboration with research institutions, regional organisations and development partners has been deepened to ensure that policies are guided by science and global best practices.

Acknowledging the critical role of the media, the Minister said journalists are instrumental in educating the public on sustainable fishing practices, raising awareness about closed seasons and conservation measures, and combating misinformation that could undermine livelihoods and markets.

“I want to work closely with you to promote accurate, science-based reporting on fisheries and aquaculture issues,” she said.

She assured the media of the Ministry’s commitment to transparency, including the provision of timely information on policies and regulations, regular press briefings, organised field visits to landing sites and fish farms, and access to technical experts to clarify complex issues such as stock assessments, aquaculture technology and climate impacts.