NGO coalition advocates for greater transparency in Ghana’s fisheries sector

GHANA – Civil society groups in Ghana are intensifying calls for political leaders to commit to increased transparency in the fisheries sector. 

This push aims to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, particularly by unauthorised foreign vessels operating in Ghanaian waters.  

Research shows that one of the most significant challenges facing international fisheries is illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, which contributes to significant sustainability issues in the fisheries industry.  

The Coalition for Fisheries Transparency (CFT), a collective of global civil society organisations, has criticised Ghana’s limited public access to fishing information. 

According to CFT, this lack of transparency has facilitated illicit fishing activities, jeopardising the livelihoods of at least 3 million small-scale fishers and their families across the nation and depleting significant resources in the water ecosystem.  

To address these concerns, CFT recently launched a transparency pledge, urging political candidates from all parties to endorse the principles outlined in the group’s Global Charter for Fisheries Transparency.  

“Our research has clearly shown how illegal fishing and overfishing pose direct threats to human rights, coastal livelihoods, and sustainable fisheries in Ghana,” said Steve Trent, CEO and founder of the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF), a CFT member organisation.

He highlighted the paradox of Ghana, with some of the world’s richest fishing grounds, being forced to import large quantities of seafood to meet local demand.  

Illegal fishing not only deprives Ghanaian fishers of economic opportunities but also results in substantial financial losses for the country. 

Trent noted that Ghana is forgoing revenue by failing to enforce penalties against foreign vessels caught fishing illegally.  

“Ghana is waving away funds it could and should collect by applying deterrent sanctions under its own laws,” Trent said. “Without codified transparency, it is nearly impossible to identify which vessels, companies, and nations are violating regulations.”  

Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing remains a significant challenge to global fisheries. 

Transparency is vital for ensuring sustainable practices, safeguarding coastal communities, and protecting the welfare of fishing crews. 

Transparent governance also promotes informed decision-making and encourages public debate on the future of the industry.  

By adopting comprehensive transparency measures, Ghana can secure thriving coastal economies, enhance crew safety, and foster effective governance in its fisheries sector.

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