Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Announces Registration and Licensing of Artisanal Fishers
The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, has announced plans to implement a comprehensive registration and licensing system for artisanal fishing vessels by June 2026.
This initiative forms part of the government’s broader strategy to enhance monitoring, improve safety, and formalise operations within Ghana’s artisanal fishing sector.
Speaking on the policy, the Minister explained that the new framework will require all artisanal fishers to register and obtain licenses for their vessels. This measure will enable regulatory authorities to track fishing activities more effectively, enforce compliance with existing regulations, and ensure that the sector operates within a structured legal framework.
A key aspect of the initiative involves equipping artisanal canoes with modern tracking and communication technologies.
These devices are expected to provide real-time monitoring, improve safety for fishers operating beyond traditional network coverage, and facilitate timely distress alerts in emergencies. The system will also support search and rescue operations at sea, ensuring that fishers can receive assistance quickly when needed.
“We are preparing to begin the registration and licensing process for all artisanal fishers. Additionally, we plan to equip the artisanal fleet with advanced tracking and communication systems so that even when fishers move beyond areas covered by conventional networks, they can still maintain contact. We are also developing insurance and pension schemes for artisanal fishers, which we aim to roll out by June,” the Minister stated.
Minister Arthur revealed these plans during an interview with Citi News on Tuesday, March 3, following her presentation of seven outboard motors and GH¢5,000 each to canoe owners whose vessels were recently attacked by armed robbers in Senya Breku. The assistance forms part of government efforts to support the 71 fishers affected by the incident.
In addition, the Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya West, Gizella Tetteh-Agbotui, noted that a team of military psychologists has been deployed to counsel and guide the robbery victims as they prepare to resume their fishing activities.
The registration and licensing programme is expected to formalise Ghana’s artisanal fishing sector, enhance maritime safety, and provide social protection measures for fishers, reflecting the government’s commitment to strengthening the welfare of the coastal communities.
