Emelia Arthur, Ghana’s Minister responsible for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development has reiterated the commitment of her ministry to effectively collaborate with other government agencies, particularly the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, to combat the growing threat of illegal mining to the country’s aquatic resources.
Speaking at the inauguration of the newly constituted 10-member Board of the Fisheries Commission on Tuesday, May 13, she expressed grave concern over the deteriorating state of Ghana’s water bodies and the direct impact on fisheries and food security.
The Minister indicated, “Some people have not yet made the connection, but when water bodies are polluted through galamsey, that pollution eventually flows into the sea. Mercury and other toxic substances find their way into marine ecosystems, destroying fish and aquatic life, we are witnessing the death of traditional aquatic bodies, and it’s a serious crisis.”
She stressed that while tackling illegal mining primarily falls under the Lands and Natural Resources Ministry, the consequences on fisheries warrant her Ministry’s involvement.
“Water pollution is threatening inland fisheries and aquaculture areas we’ve historically neglected but must now prioritise, if the water bodies that sustain fish farming are polluted, where do we turn?” she asked.
She also highlighted that 60% of Ghana’s animal protein comes from fish, yet current production cannot meet demand.
“If captured fisheries are destroyed and aquaculture becomes impossible due to pollution, then what becomes of our national food security? Even beyond the economic contribution of fisheries to GDP, export revenue, and foreign exchange, we must consider the basic nutritional needs of our people.” she asked.
The Minister called on all stakeholders, especially representatives of fisherfolk associations on the new board, to take proactive steps in community engagement and advocacy.
“We need to break the cycle. Let’s stop the IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing practices. Let’s hold each other accountable and protect what’s left of our aquatic life,” she urged.
Membership of the Board are:
- Prof. Wisdom Akpalu – Chairperson, Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA)
- Prof. Benjamin Betey Campion – Executive Director, Fisheries Commission
- Commodore Bright Emmanuel Kojo Atiayao – Ministry of Defence, Burma Camp
- Mr. Prosper Kwame Amewode – Ministry of Transport
- Mr. Cephas Adjei Mensah – Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology
- Dr. Ruby Asmah – Water Research Institute
- Ing. Eric Damuel Adu-Dankwa – Ghana Irrigation Development Authority
- Nana Jojo Solomon – National Fisheries Association of Ghana (NAFAG)
- Mr. Frank Kwesi Aihoon – Ghana Tuna Association (GTA)
- Nana Kweigyah Isaac – Canoe and Gear Owners Association
With a wealth of experience and institutional representation, the new board is expected to play a key role in enhancing policy implementation, improving sector governance, and supporting Ghana’s commitment to building a sustainable and inclusive Blue Economy.
