Fisheries Commission Begins Process of Action Plan for Small-Scale Fisheries
The Fisheries Commission, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), has initiated the process of developing Ghana’s National Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries (NPOA-SSF) through a high-level technical workshop held at Akosombo in the Eastern Region.
The workshop, organised under the global initiative, “Enhancing Equitable, Climate-Resilient and Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries through the SSF Guidelines Implementation Project,” brought together regulatory agencies, fisheries experts, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to lay the foundation for a comprehensive framework to guide the sustainable management of Ghana’s artisanal fisheries sector.
Held at the Bridgeview Resort, the meeting focused on strengthening fisheries governance, promoting social inclusion and improving the livelihoods of fishing communities across the country.
According to the Fisheries Commission, the workshop was designed to equip participants with the knowledge required to begin developing the National Plan of Action while addressing inequalities and ensuring the inclusion of vulnerable groups within the fisheries subsector.
“The workshop aimed to provide participants with the knowledge necessary to begin the process of developing an NPOA-SSF, including a focus to reduce inequalities and promote the inclusion of the most vulnerable groups within the subsector,” the Commission stated.
The SSF Project Officer of the FAO, Giulia Gorelli, underscored the importance of small-scale fisheries to global and local economies.
“Small-scale fisheries play a vital role in food security, employment, poverty reduction and economic development, particularly in many coastal and inland communities around the world,” she noted.
The Eastern Regional Director of the Fisheries Commission, Mr. Richard Yeboah, described the action plan as an opportunity to strengthen fisheries governance and improve conditions for fishers and fish workers.
“The development and effective implementation of an NPOA-SSF presents a valuable opportunity for Ghana to strengthen sustainable fisheries governance, improve the livelihoods of fishers and fish workers, promote social inclusion, and align national efforts with the FAO Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries,” he said.
Participants also examined challenges affecting fishing communities, including limited access to credit, inadequate processing infrastructure and underrepresentation in decision-making structures.
The workshop further highlighted the need to align the proposed action plan with Ghana’s legal framework. Head of the Fisheries Commission’s Legal Unit, Mr. Alex Adu-Antwi, outlined how the proposed guidelines would be integrated into the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025 (Act 1146), ensuring legal backing for implementation.
The Fisheries Commission said the policy development process will move through initiation, development and implementation stages, providing a framework for a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable small-scale fisheries sector in Ghana.
