By Sarah Baafi
Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable fisheries and regional cooperation at the 11th Session of ATLAFCO Experts, held on Wednesday in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The Ghanaian delegation, led by Prof. Benjamin Campion, Executive Director of the Fisheries Commission, and Mr. Fred Kwasi Antwi-Boadu, Coordinator of the National Blue Economy Consultations, joined other member states to discuss key strategies for the future of Africa’s fisheries sector.
The experts’ session focused on advancing sustainable fisheries management, enhancing regional collaboration, and strengthening the Fisheries Regional Development Fund (FRDF). Ghana played an active role in deliberations on ongoing regional initiatives, including the On-Board Observation Programme, Port Inspection Programme, and the potential transition of ATLAFCO into a Regional Fisheries Management Organization (RFMO).
Prof. Campion remarked, “Our shared resources demand shared responsibility. Ghana is committed to working with our neighbors to ensure the long-term health of our fisheries and the livelihoods they support.”
Mr. Antwi-Boadu added, “The Blue Economy holds immense promise for Africa. Through cooperation and innovation, we can build a more resilient and prosperous future for our coastal communities.”
Today, Ghana’s Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Hon. Emelia Arthur, is expected to participate in the ATLAFCO Ministerial Conference, further underlining Ghana’s leadership in shaping a sustainable Blue Future for the continent.
The session’s outcomes are expected to drive concrete actions toward more robust fisheries governance and sustainable development across the Atlantic coast of Africa.
