By Elsie Appiah-Osei
Accra, Dec. 4, GNA — Parliament has approved a GH¢428 million budget for the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MoFAD) for 2026 aimed at promoting ecological sustainability and the long-term health of the country’s marine and inland waters.
Presenting the Committee on Food, Agriculture, and Cocoa Affairs’ report in the Parliament, Dr Godfred Seidu Jasaw, the Committee Chairman, highlighted key areas of focus, including “strengthening science-based fisheries management, conducting stock and environmental assessments, and establishing Marine-Protected Areas.”
The budget prioritizes environmental resilience, stock recovery, law enforcement, and modernization of fisheries operations, aligning with the National Medium-Term Development Policy Framework’s objective to ensure sustainable development and management of the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
Among the major allocations is GH¢287,901,632 for Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) to support modernization and logistics and the procurement of a research vessel, patrol vessels, vehicles, and surveillance equipment.
“Office vehicles, computers, and accessories for regional and zonal operations,” the report said.
According to Dr Seidu Jasaw, the Ministry aims to curb Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing in the sea and Volta Lake patrols and improve voluntary compliance with fisheries laws.
Notable 2025 achievements by the sector include producing 173 million fingerlings, registering 76 industrial vessels, and training 40 Fisheries Enforcement Unit personnel.
The budget approval is expected to boost resource protection efforts, enhance enforcement capabilities, and support sustainable growth of the fisheries and aquaculture industry.
GNA
Christian Akorlie