Story By: Akua Oteng Amponsah
Ghana risks facing a ban on fish exports to the European Union (EU) if it fails to address concerns over illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
The country has already received two yellow card warnings from the EU, in 2013 and 2021, and could face a red card ban in 2026 if issues persist.
“We have received two yellow cards, and if we don’t take the necessary steps, we will receive a red card in 2026,” Dr. Godfred Seidu Jasaw, Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Food, Aquaculture, and Cocoa Affairs, warned.
The Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, emphasized the urgency of regulating and sanitizing the fishing sector.
“A potential EU ban would have severe economic consequences,” she said, adding that three million Ghanaians depend on the fisheries value chain.
Stakeholders have expressed concerns about the management of Ghana’s fishery resources, calling for sustainable practices and stricter penalties for those engaging in illegal activities.
The draft Fisheries Bill, which contains 167 clauses and 170 sections, aims to restore order to Ghana’s fishing sector.
Once finalized, it will be submitted to the EU and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) before being passed into law.
