Ghana has adopted a new Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025 (Act 1146), introducing major reforms to tackle illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing, protect artisanal fishers, and secure the country’s growing seafood industry.
The bill was passed by Parliament in July 2025 and was signed into law by President John Dramani Mahama on August 19. IUU fishing has been a growing problem across West Africa, costing Ghana alone between $14.4 million and $23.7 million every year.
Industrial trawlers have repeatedly encroached on areas reserved for artisanal fishing, threatening small pelagic species that are crucial for local food supply. In 2021, the European Union issued Ghana a yellow card, warning that the country could lose access to European seafood markets unless stronger action was taken against IUU fishing.
According to the Ministry, the new legislation is part of efforts to avoid trade sanctions and protect seafood exports, which have now grown to more
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