By Albert Oppong-Ansah
Accra, May 12, GNA – Madam Emelia Arthur, Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, has called for transparency, credible data and inclusive decision-making to strengthen sustainable fisheries governance.
She said strong institutions, evidence-based policymaking and public trust were critical to protecting marine resources and safeguarding livelihoods within the fisheries sector.
Speaking at a regional workshop on advancing implementation of the Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI) in Anglophone Africa in Accra, Madam Arthur said transparency remained central to accountability and sustainable fisheries management.
“Transparency is not simply the publication of information, but a tool to strengthen accountability, empower citizens and stakeholders, and build confidence between governments, fishing communities, industry and regional partners,” she said.
The workshop brought together participants from Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone, as well as development partners and the FiTI International Secretariat, to strengthen implementation of fisheries transparency standards in the region.
Madam Arthur said access to reliable information on stock assessments, vessel registries, fishing licences, subsidies, catches and fisheries agreements was essential for effective governance and sustainable fisheries management.
She said Ghana’s participation in FiTI reflected its commitment to science-based, transparent and participatory management of the fisheries sector, adding that the country was progressing towards submission of its FiTI implementing country application with support from national institutions and stakeholders.
The Minister said challenges such as illegal fishing, declining fish stocks and weak governance systems transcended national boundaries and required stronger regional collaboration.
“We must work together, learn from one another and advance collectively because our fisheries systems are interconnected,” she said.
Ms Johanna Klotz, Head of Development Cooperation at the German Embassy in Ghana, described the workshop as a significant step towards strengthening sustainable fisheries governance in Africa.
She said limited public access to fisheries information had weakened accountability and reduced confidence in the sector.
“For decades, we have recognised that equitable and sustainable resource management hinges on public access to information. Yet, for too long, essential data on fisheries, from permits and vessel registries to stock assessments and subsidies, has remained opaque.
“This lack of transparency undermines effective governance, disadvantages certain groups, and creates uncertainty for investors and communities alike,” she said.
Ms Klotz said the FiTI framework sought to address those challenges through improved public disclosure of fisheries information and enhanced stakeholder participation.
She said Ghana and Liberia were expected to submit their FiTI Implementing Country Applications in the second quarter of 2026, while Sierra Leone was also advancing its national process.
Dr Godfred Ameyaw Asiedu, Regional Coordinator for Anglophone Africa at FiTI, said the workshop was intended to support countries to move from political commitment to implementation readiness.
He said participants would receive operational guidance, peer-learning opportunities and technical support to strengthen institutional arrangements and implementation processes.
The workshop also aimed at promoting regional cooperation and experience-sharing, including lessons from Seychelles, the first country to attain FiTI compliance status.
Established in 2015, FiTI currently engages 14 countries to promote data-driven and stakeholder-based fisheries management aimed at strengthening accountability, building trust and supporting sustainable fisheries governance.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey
12 May 2026
Reporter: Albert Oppong-Ansah
Email: [email protected]