President John Dramani Mahama has signed the Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill, 2025 into law, describing it as "a landmark step for sustainable fisheries in Ghana." The Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025 (Act 1146), passed by Parliament in July, sets out bold reforms aimed at protecting marine resources while improving the livelihoods of Ghana's small-scale fishers.
President Mahama emphasized the importance of the new law. "This Act represents a transformative step towards building a sustainable, equitable, and economically viable fisheries sector that meets international standards," he said.
Among the key provisions, the Act establishes an independent Fisheries Commission to manage and conserve the country's resources, aligns Ghana's regulations with global best practices, and introduces stricter enforcement measures to combat illegal fishing.
According to the President, the reforms will also protect Ghana's seafood exports, valued at over $425 million annually. "By closing compliance gaps and strengthening enforcement, we safeguard our place in the global market and protect the livelihoods of thousands of families who depend on this industry," he noted.
