Ghana’s Parliament has unanimously passed the Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill, 2025, following its third reading on Wednesday, July 16, 2025. The passage marks a major milestone in the country’s efforts to modernise the fisheries and aquaculture sector, curb illegal fishing activities, and promote sustainable practices to support food security and economic development.

The bill, which updates and replaces the Fisheries Act, 2002 (Act 625), was subjected to a second reading on Tuesday night, July 15, 2025. It underwent several key amendments during the legislative process, which included extensive consultations with stakeholders such as the Canoe and Fishing Gear Owners Association of Ghana (CaFGOAG) and a detailed review by the Select Committee on Food, Agriculture, and Cocoa Affairs.

The Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill is designed to enhance regulation and governance in a sector that supports the livelihoods of an estimated 2.4 million Ghanaians and makes a significant contribution to the national economy.

Key highlights of the bill include:


  • Extension of the Inshore Exclusion Zone (IEZ) to 12 nautical miles or a depth of 50 meters, in a move to protect artisanal fishers from encroachment by industrial trawlers.


  • Promotion of sustainable aquaculture practices to improve fish production and reduce pressure on marine resources.


  • Tougher enforcement against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, a persistent issue that has drawn international concern.


  • Environmental protection measures, addressing overfishing, marine habitat destruction, and mercury pollution linked to illegal mining (galamsey).

The bill's approval comes at a critical time as Ghana faces pressure to meet international fishing standards, particularly after receiving a second yellow card warning from the European Union in 2021 for continued IUU fishing practices. Failure to address these concerns risks Ghana’s access to lucrative fish export markets in the EU.

The bill was introduced to Parliament in early June 2025 by the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Emelia Arthur. It was subsequently referred to the Select Committee on Food, Agriculture, and Cocoa Affairs for in-depth review, with support from the Ministry of Fisheries and the Attorney General’s Department.

With its passage, the Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill, 2025, is expected to pave the way for a more sustainable, inclusive, and economically viable fisheries sector in Ghana.