Ghana is set to benefit significantly from the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, which officially entered into force on 15th September, according to Ghana’s minister of fisheries Emelia Arthur.
The agreement, rached at a special WTO General Council meeting in Geneva, commits member states to curb billions of dollars in subsidies that drive overfishing and threaten global marine ecosystems.
‘WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala hailed the pact as “a landmark for global trade governance,” praising members for safeguarding the livelihoods of fishing communities worldwide. The agreement is the first multilateral trade deal with environmental sustainability at its core, prohibiting government support for illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and fishing on unregulated high seas,’ Emelia Arthur said.
Ghana formally ratified the agreement on 30th May this year, following Cabinet approval in April. Ghana’s instrument of acceptance was deposited with the WTO on 2nd July, underscoring the country’s commitment to global ocean governance.
‘This milestone complements Ghana’s own Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025 (Act 1146), which strengthens accountability and governance in the fisheries sector. Marine fisheries remain vital to national food security, jobs and coastal livelihoods, but declining fish stocks and persistent IUU fishing have placed the industry under severe strain,’ she said, and outlined key benefits for Ghana as curbing subsidies that fuel overfishing and IUU practices, the agreement will help fish stocks recover, ensuring more stable and sustainable catches in the years ahead.
Emelia Arthur stated that mandatory reporting and improved data collection will sharpen Ghana’s fisheries management and enhance accountability, and the ban on subsidies for IUU fishing directly strengthens Ghana’s efforts to eliminate illegal activities that undermine national fisheries.
‘Ghana’s early ratification highlights its leadership in sustainable development and reinforces its role as host of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),’ she said, and stated that through the WTO Fish Fund—backed by more than US$18 million in pledges—Ghana can access capacity-building and technical assistance to implement the agreement effectively.
‘Over time, healthier fish stocks and fairer trade practices will boost the competitiveness and long-term profitability of Ghana’s fishing industry. For Ghana, it offers a powerful framework to protect livelihoods, secure food supplies, and position the country as a champion of sustainable fisheries management,’ Emelia Arthur said.
‘Ghana’s participation signals that the nation is not only safeguarding its own marine resources but also contributing to the global success story of sustainable ocean governance.’
