Ghana could face a complete ban on fish exports to the European Union if it fails to urgently reform its fishing industry to tackle illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The warning was issued on Friday by Dr. Godfred Seidu Jasaw, Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Food, Aquaculture and Cocoa Affairs, during a high-level stakeholder meeting in Accra. The session focused on finalising Ghana’s draft Fisheries Bill, a key legislative instrument aimed at strengthening the country’s ability to monitor and enforce sustainable fishing practices in line with international obligations, particularly EU requirements.
Ghana has already received two “yellow card” warnings from the European Commission – first in 2013 and again in 2021 – for failing to curb IUU fishing activities, which include the use of unauthorized fishing gear, under-reporting of catches, and the operation of unlicensed vessels. If Ghana does not show concrete improvements by 2026, it risks receiving a “red card”, which would bar fish exports to the EU, one of its major markets. Dr. Jasaw urged swift action: “We are on borrowed time. Without decisive reforms and enforcement mechanisms, Ghana’s fisheries sector could lose critical access to European markets.”
Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Emelia Arthur, also warned that an EU export ban would be economically disastrous, as over three million Ghanaians depend on the fisheries sector for employment and food security. The draft bill includes provisions to strengthen vessel monitoring systems, enhance penalties for violations, improve reporting mechanisms, and increase community engagement in sustainable fishing practices. Ghana’s fishing industry contributes significantly to national GDP and is vital for coastal livelihoods.
Stakeholders at the meeting—including representatives from the EU, civil society, and fishing associations—welcomed the government’s renewed commitment but called for transparent implementation and long-term accountability.
