The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture, in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade and Agribusiness and the Fisheries Commission, convened a high-level stakeholder consultative meeting yesterday at the La-Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra. The meeting focused on discussions surrounding the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies and its implications for Ghana’s trade policies and marine environment.
The primary objective of the engagement was to deliberate on the terms of the WTO agreement and explore how it aligns with Ghana’s national interest, particularly in managing its fisheries resources sustainably. The agreement, which was adopted by consensus during the WTO’s 12th Ministerial Conferences (MC12) held in Geneva in June 2022 and in Abu Dhabi in February 2024, introduces binding multilateral rules aimed at prohibiting harmful subsidies that contribute to illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
IUU fishing remains a significant global challenge, depleting fish stocks and threatening marine ecosystems. In Africa alone, the economic losses attributed to IUU fishing are estimated at over $2.3 billion annually, according to the African Union Commission. The Commission has urged African nations to ratify the WTO agreement to combat these issues effectively.
Speaking at the consultative meeting, Ghana’s Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Hon. Emelia Arthur, highlighted the importance of stakeholder involvement in shaping the country’s approach to the agreement. She commended participants for their valuable contributions and insights, emphasizing that while all points raised were crucial, further engagements and comprehensive data collection were necessary before any final decision could be made.
“The perspectives shared here today are all valid and significant. However, we must continue to engage all stakeholders and gather sufficient data to ensure informed decision-making. This information will be compiled and submitted to the Cabinet for thorough review before any commitments are made,” Hon. Arthur stated.
The potential benefits of Ghana adopting the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies were also outlined during the discussions. The agreement is expected to serve as a critical tool for enhancing fisheries management both nationally and globally. It would strengthen the country’s capacity to manage its fisheries sustainably, improve transparency, and enhance data collection on the status of vulnerable fish stocks and related subsidies.
Stakeholders at the meeting expressed a shared commitment to ensuring Ghana’s fisheries sector remains productive and sustainable while aligning with international trade regulations. The consultative process is expected to continue in the coming months to ensure that all necessary considerations are taken into account before Ghana takes its official position on the agreement.
Source : MOFAD
