By: Sarah Baafi
A stakeholder consultative meeting was held at the La-Palm Royal Beach Hotel, focusing on the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. Organized by the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture, in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade and Agribusiness and the Fisheries Commission, the meeting aimed to discuss the agreement’s implications for Ghana’s trade policies and marine environment.
The primary objective was to deliberate on the terms of the WTO agreement and explore how it aligns with Ghana’s national interest, particularly in managing its fisheries resources sustainably.
The WTO Agreement, adopted by consensus during the WTO’s 12th Ministerial Conferences in June 2022 and further discussed in Abu Dhabi in February 2024, introduces binding multilateral rules aimed at prohibiting harmful subsidies that contribute to illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
IUU fishing remains a significant global challenge, depleting fish stocks and threatening marine ecosystems.
In Africa alone, the economic losses attributed to IUU fishing are estimated at over $2.3 billion annually, according to the African Union Commission.
Speaking at the consultative meeting, Ghana’s Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, highlighted the importance of stakeholder involvement in shaping the country’s approach to the agreement.
She commended participants for their valuable contributions and insights, emphasizing that while all points raised were crucial, further engagements and comprehensive data collection were necessary before any final decision could be made.
The perspectives shared during the meeting were deemed valid and significant, but the Minister underscored the need for thorough review and informed decision-making.
The potential benefits of Ghana adopting the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies were also outlined during the discussions.
The agreement is expected to serve as a critical tool for enhancing fisheries management both nationally and globally.
It would strengthen the country’s capacity to manage its fisheries sustainably, improve transparency, and enhance data collection on the status of vulnerable fish stocks and related subsidies.
Stakeholders expressed a shared commitment to ensuring Ghana’s fisheries sector remains productive and sustainable while aligning with international trade regulations.
The consultative process is expected to continue in the coming months to ensure that all necessary considerations are taken into account before Ghana takes its official position on the agreement.
