By David Nii ARMAAH
On August 19, 2025, President John Mahama signed into law the new Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025 (Act 1146). It might look like just another policy announcement, but it carries real weight. Fish isn’t just food in Ghana, it’s life.
Nearly 60 percent of Ghanaians depend on it as their main source of protein and the sector keeps close to 3 million people employed. This new law also replaces the old rules from 2002 and 2014 and brings fresh reforms to Ghana’s fishing sector.
The goal is simple: to make fishing more sustainable, fair and well-managed for the millions of Ghanaians who depend on it for food and jobs.
How the law works – What you need to know
- Independent Fisheries Commission – A new body will manage the sector, handling everything from licences to conservation and development, to make sure rules are followed.
- Bigger safe zone for local fishers – The inshore exclusive zone (IEZ) for artisanal fishers has been expanded from 6 to 12 nautical miles. This gives local fishers more space and protection from bigger industrial vessels.
- Stronger action against illegal fishing – Those involved in illegal, unreported or unregulated (IUU) fishing now face tougher penalties, including fines up to US$2million, loss of licences and even seizure of vessels.
- Electronic monitoring of vessels – Large industrial and foreign vessels must now use satellite tracking and monitoring systems. This ensures better control and also helps Ghana meet standards for selling fish to places like the EU and U.S.
- Support for aquaculture (fish-farming) – The law creates aquaculture zones, ensures women and aquaculture experts have a voice in decision-making and sets up a fund for research, training and infrastructure.
- Better controls after harvest – New rules cover hygiene, labeling and traceability of fish products. This will be done together with the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and Ghana Standards Authority.
Why this matters
Protecting jobs and livelihoods – Over 200,000 artisanal fishers and half a million support workers now have stronger protections. Expanding the IEZ means they can work in safer waters.
Boosting food and exports – Ghana earns about US$425million each year from seafood exports. Stronger standards mean we keep our place in global markets while ensuring food supply at home.
Safeguarding the future - With stricter anti-IUU rules and conservation efforts, we’re protecting fish stocks for future generations.
What role do we play?
- Fishers and associations - Help enforce the IEZ and report violations.
- Industrial operators - Work with the new rules and share data for better management.
- Consumers - Buy from licenced, traceable sources. Every purchase is a vote for sustainability.
- Media and watchdogs - Keep track of how the law is being applied and push for accountability.
Final thought
When I think about this law, I don’t just see policy on paper. I see the women in our markets trading fish so they can make ends meet and feed their families. I think of the young fishermen who go to sea, only to return with smaller catches than they hoped for.
For them, this law means better standards and fairer practices. And it comes back to us, too - the consumers. If the sector is managed effectively, it could alleviate pressure on prices and make fish more affordable for households. That’s not just good economics; it’s food security.
Ghana’s fisheries sector provides over half of the country’s protein needs. Yet, it has been struggling with overfishing, illegal practices and dwindling stocks. This law won’t fix everything overnight, but it’s a step toward protecting livelihoods and securing the future of a resource that touches almost every Ghanaian home.
>>>the writer is a top-tech Researcher and an Industry voice. He possesses the analytical skills of an applied researcher and expertise in data, technology, innovation and digital entrepreneurship. Connect via LinkedIn: David Nii Armaah
