By: Christian Kpesese
Ghana’s Parliament has approved GH₵428,006,496 for the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MoFAD) to implement its programmes for the 2026 financial year, underscoring government’s commitment to ecological sustainability and the long-term health of the country’s marine and inland waters.
The allocation prioritises environmental resilience, stock recovery, law enforcement, and modernization of fisheries operations, in line with the National Medium-Term Development Policy Framework’s objective to ensure sustainable development and management of the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
Sustainability Measures Dominate 2026 Plans
A major emphasis of the 2026 programme is the strengthening of science-based fisheries management. Under the Fisheries Resource Management Programme, MoFAD will:
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Conduct stock and environmental assessments to guide recovery efforts.
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Pilot a mariculture operation to enhance natural biomass.
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Establish Marine-Protected Areas.
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Promote sustainable inland fisheries by undertaking stock assessments across four regions with small water bodies.
To curb Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, the Ministry plans at least four sea patrols and 12 Volta Lake patrols, supported by measures aimed at improving voluntary compliance with fisheries laws.
Capital Expenditure Takes Majority of Budget
Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) accounts for GH₵287,901,632, representing 67.3% of the total budget, signalling a major investment in modernization and logistics.
Presenting the Committee on Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs’ report to the plenary for adoption, its Chairman, Dr. Godfred Seidu Jasaw, outlined the key items earmarked for procurement as follows:
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A research vessel to support scientific studies.
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Patrol vessels, vehicles, motorbikes and surveillance equipment for the Fisheries Enforcement Unit (FFEU).
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Office vehicles, computers, and accessories for regional and zonal operations.
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Service Collecte Localisation Satellites (CLS) obligations and digital infrastructure for a central data system and data centre.
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Vehicles to improve aquaculture extension services.
Review of 2025 Performance
Some of the notable achievements of the ministry in 2025 despite receiving only 30.8% of approval include:
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Production of 173 million fingerlings and total aquaculture output of 50,478.36 metric tonnes.
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Registration and licensing of 76 industrial vessels and issuance of 5,742 canoes.
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Monitoring of 40 trawl vessels through the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) and 358 quayside inspections.
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Training of 40 Fisheries Enforcement Unit personnel and deployment of 89 Fisheries Observers, recording 100% observer coverage.
The Ministry further reaffirmed its commitment to fully implementing the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025 (Act 1146), which provides a strengthened legal regime to address regulatory gaps and help protect Ghana’s access to the European market amid its ongoing “Yellow Card” status.
Parliament’s approval is expected to boost resource protection efforts, enhance enforcement capabilities, and support sustainable growth of the fisheries and aquaculture industry through 2026.
