Hon. Emelia Arthur, the newly appointed Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture (MOFA), has officially assumed office, outlining a bold vision to transform Ghana’s fisheries and aquaculture sector.
Her first day in office on 27th January, 2025, was marked by strategic engagements with key stakeholders, including the management teams of the Ministry, the Fisheries Commission, and the Premix Fuel Secretariat, where she shared her ambitious plans for sustainable growth and development.
A Seasoned Leader with a Transformative Vision
Hon. Emelia Arthur brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having served as a Presidential Staffer, Deputy Regional Minister, and District Chief Executive.
A development specialist with expertise in local governance, natural resource management, and gender inclusion, she holds academic credentials from Yale University and GIMPA.
Her proven track record in strategic planning and inclusive development positions her as a transformative leader for MOFA.
Blue Economy Initiative: A Sustainable Future
At the heart of Hon. Arthur’s agenda is the Blue Economy Initiative, a comprehensive plan to harness Ghana’s marine and freshwater resources for sustainable economic growth.
The initiative aims to balance the conservation of marine ecosystems with the economic benefits derived from these resources, ensuring long-term sustainability for future generations.
Tackling Sector Challenges Head-On
During her meeting with Mr. Fred Kwasi Antwi-Boadu, Executive Director of the Fisheries Commission, and senior management, Hon. Arthur addressed critical issues facing the sector.
Key challenges highlighted included overfishing, illegal practices such as light fishing and dynamite use, insufficient funding, and difficulties in data collection.
The Minister was briefed on ongoing efforts to:
- Enforce the registration of fishing vessels.
- Regulate the trawl sub-sector to reduce juvenile fish harvest.
- Introduce safety standards for canoe construction.
- Monitor illegal fishing practices using an Electronic Monitoring System (EMS).
- Establish Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to preserve biodiversity.
Hon. Arthur reaffirmed her commitment to addressing these challenges, emphasizing the need for collaboration and innovative solutions.
Sector Performance and Future Goals
The Fisheries Commission reported that Ghana’s total annual fish production in 2023 stood at 684,114.87 metric tons, comprising:
- Marine Fisheries: 425,423.91 metric tons.
- Inland Fisheries: 142,583.13 metric tons.
- Aquaculture: 116,107.83 metric tons.
While these figures reflect significant contributions to food security and livelihoods, Hon. Arthur stressed the need to boost production sustainably, particularly in aquaculture, to meet growing demand and reduce pressure on marine resources.
Collaboration and Innovation for a Prosperous Future
In her engagement with the Premix Fuel Secretariat, Hon. Arthur emphasized the importance of teamwork and innovation in achieving sector goals.
She urged stakeholders to focus on delivering sustainable results that benefit both current and future generations.
“Together, we can strengthen Ghana’s fisheries and aquaculture sector, making it more sustainable and impactful,” Hon. Arthur stated. “With collaboration, dedication, and innovation, we will ensure food security and a prosperous future for all.”
A New Era for Ghana’s Fisheries
With her extensive experience, strategic vision, and passion for inclusive development, Hon. Emelia Arthur’s leadership is poised to usher in a new era for Ghana’s fisheries and aquaculture sector.
Her commitment to sustainability, innovation, and stakeholder collaboration signals a promising future for the industry and the communities it supports.
As she embarks on this critical role, stakeholders across the sector are optimistic that her leadership will drive transformative change, ensuring the sustainable management of Ghana’s aquatic resources for generations to come.