By: Love Wilhelmina Abanonave
The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture has introduced a beneficial ownership law aimed at identifying the true owners of fishing vessels and distinguishing Ghanaian operators from foreign nationals.
Responding to concerns about the growing presence of Chinese nationals engaging in illegal fishing, often by operating through Ghanaian fronts and targeting fingerlings, the Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Emelia Arthur explained that the new law will help expose those behind such practices by revealing the actual individuals who control the vessels.
“In the new law, we have put in place what we are calling the beneficial ownership because we want to know who is really behind this…’’ she said.
Speaking at the ‘Government Accountability Series’ on August 6, 2025, the Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Emelia Arthur said while licenses are issued to Ghanaians, many enter into partnerships with foreign nationals, due to the significant capital required to purchase and operate fishing vessels. This arrangement, she noted, allows foreign nationals to operate behind the scenes under Ghanaian licenses.
According to the Minister, the key question now is whether Ghana is in a position to fully support its citizens to independently own and operate their own vessels. “If we reach that point,” she said, “the story might be different.”
She added optimistically, “Hopefully by mid-term next year, we’ll have a different story to tell.”
Speaking at the ‘Government Accountability Series’ on August 6, 2025, she added that what really happens is the fact that it is Ghanaians who get the licenses and then enter into partnerships with foreign nationals because of the resources needed to purchase and own the vessels as well as run them making the foreign nationals hide behind them.
According to the Minister, the central question is whether Ghana is currently in a position to support its citizens in fully owning and operating their own vessels, an outcome that, she noted, could significantly change the narrative.
She further urged media personnel not to single out any particular foreign nationality, emphasizing that individuals from various countries are involved in the fisheries sector.
