On the occasion of World Fisheries Day 2025, Dr. Godfred Seidu Jasaw, Member of Parliament for Wa East and Chairman of the Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs Committee, delivered a compelling address urging a transformative approach to Ghana’s fisheries sector.
Under the theme, “Resetting Fisheries: Chief Fishermen and Fishmongers as Guardians and Partners in Sustainable Fisheries Management,” the Chairman highlighted the critical state of Ghana’s marine and inland fisheries and called for urgent action to restore and sustain this vital sector.
A Sector at a Crossroads
Hon. Jasaw reflected on Ghana’s rich fisheries history, noting that for decades, fisheries have been central to livelihoods, cultural identity, and the economy. However, recent challenges threaten this legacy, including overfishing, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, climate change, pollution, mangrove destruction, and economic vulnerability among artisanal fishers, especially women involved in post-harvest activities.
“If we do not act decisively, we risk the collapse of an industry that sustains our people and preserves our way of life,” he warned.
A Call for a Sectoral Reset
The MP emphasized that Ghana is in a “reset” phase—an opportunity to recalibrate its relationship with the ocean from one of decline to stewardship. This involves science-based management, value addition, cold storage investments, and recognizing traditional leaders and fishmongers as key partners in sustainability.
Particularly, he highlighted the importance of restoring the authority of chief fishermen, who traditionally regulate access and uphold indigenous knowledge but have seen their roles diminished due to weak integration into formal governance and encroachment by industrial vessels.
Empowering Fishmongers and Women
Hon. Jasaw underscored the crucial role of fishmongers—mainly women—in feeding the nation and supporting local economies. Yet, they face barriers such as limited access to affordable credit, post-harvest losses, and lack of cold chain infrastructure.
He proposed elevating fishmongers through cooperatives and revolving funds, and fostering partnerships with financial institutions like the Women’s Bank to empower women entrepreneurs.
Policy and Institutional Reforms
The address called for bold policy shifts, including operationalizing the new Fisheries Act (ACT 1146) which emphasizes aquaculture to reduce pressure on wild stocks. Specific actions include:
– Promoting household aquaculture farms
– Expanding the Canoe Identification and Monitoring System (CIS) to combat IUU fishing
– Supporting community-managed Marine Protected Areas
– Incorporating climate resilience measures such as mangrove restoration
– Strengthening public-private partnerships for infrastructure development
A Leadership for Coastal Nations
The Chairman again urged Ghana to lead by example, honoring traditional leaders not just ceremonially but through strategic action. He emphasized the need for integrated, multi-sectoral policies, evidence-based data systems, and inclusive stakeholder participation.
A Turning Point
Concluding his speech, he called on Ghanaians to listen, act, and reset the fisheries sector for a sustainable future, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and resilience.
“Let this World Fisheries Day 2025 be remembered as a turning point,” Hon. Jasaw stated. “Let’s deliberately strengthen coordination, invest in data, and rebuild our fisheries sector for transformation!”
The address closed with a rallying call: “Let’s reset, rebuild, and transform our fishery for a better tomorrow.”
