Minister courts stakeholder support for fisheries sector reforms

…as IEZET project takes off

The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mrs. Emelia Arthur, has urged fisheries stakeholders to rally behind reforms aimed at rebuilding fish stock, protecting coastal livelihoods and securing the sustainable of the nation’s marine resources.

Launching the Inshore Exclusion Zone Enforcement and Transparency (IEZET) project to strengthen fisheries governance under the new Fisheries Act at the La Palm Royal Beach in Accra, she appealed for voluntary compliance to ensure its seamless implementation.

“The success of this project is inseparable from the full implementation of the new fisheries legislation. Together, they represent our commitment to restore our fisheries, protect livelihoods, and secure the future of our ocean,” the minister said.

According to her, the IEZET project comes at an important and decisive moment in the fisheries and aquaculture landscape amid ongoing reforms and government’s strong commitment to protect marine resources and reverse dwindling fish stock.

The minister allayed fears and misconceptions about the IEZET project, stressing that it rather ensure fairness and restore order and sustainability to an industry that must work for all.

She further assured: “Conservation cannot and will not come at the cost of people’s survival; sustainability must go hand in hand with livelihoods.

We will continue to pursue diversified livelihoods; and pursue access to finance and social protection, especially for women and the youth who sustain this sector.”

The IEZET project is being implemented by a consortium led by the Ghana Fisheries and Global Action (GFRA), and in close collaboration with Hen Mpoano and the Environmental Justice Foundation (EFJ) to support the effective implementation of the Fisheries Act 1146.

On her part, the board chair of GFRA, Dr. Jessica Nkansah, said the launch of the project signaled a collective interest in driving sustainable change is achieved through shared responsibility, open dialogue and shared action.

“Our complementary strengths, our synergies, position us well for great success. We are equally aware that the success of this project will depend on the active collaboration of all stakeholders. We are committed to working in that spirit,” she noted.

Dr. Nkansah assured the minister of the consortium’s unrelenting support towards advancing sustainable fisheries management and improving livelihoods across the coast.

She further indicated: “Guided by our core values, which are sustainability, equity, collaboration, accountability, innovation and trust, we are committed to work with transparency, diligence and integrity to deliver lasting impact.”