Parliament ratifies WTO agreement on fisheries subsidies

Ghana’s Parliament has ratified the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. This shows a renewed commitment to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. It also promotes sustainable fisheries management.

The ratification was led by Hon. Emelia Arthur, Minister for Fisheries, and Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Minister for Trade. This marks Ghana’s formal endorsement of a global agreement adopted in June 2022 at the WTO Ministerial Conference in Geneva.

The WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement aims to eliminate harmful subsidies that lead to overfishing and IUU practices. It focuses on high seas and waters with overexploited fish stocks or unknown status. The agreement prohibits subsidies for IUU fishing and overfished stocks while allowing transition periods for developing countries like Ghana.

Hon. Emelia Arthur stated that this ratification aligns with Ghana’s Marine Fisheries Management Plan (2022–2026). This plan aims to restore marine fish stocks, enhance data collection, and improve enforcement. It also supports efforts to build a resilient fisheries sector.

Ghana’s fisheries sector is vital for the national economy. It provides livelihoods for millions and contributes significantly to food security and foreign exchange earnings. However, it faces challenges like dwindling catches, fleet overcapacity, and environmental degradation.

The decision to ratify comes as the Ministry of Fisheries prepares to implement Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). These measures aim to replenish depleted fish stocks and sustain coastal communities' livelihoods.

According to the memorandum submitted to Parliament, ratifying the WTO Agreement fulfills Ghana's constitutional requirements for international treaties. It also helps level the playing field for artisanal fishers competing against heavily subsidized industrial fleets from countries like China, Japan, and the EU.

This agreement supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14.6, which seeks to eliminate harmful fisheries subsidies by 2025.

After today’s parliamentary approval, the Ministry of Fisheries will send the Assent document to the WTO Secretariat. This will formalize Ghana’s commitment. The Ministry plans to integrate the Agreement into national legislation while revising its fisheries legal framework.

Minister Ofosu-Adjare emphasized that this is not just a trade agreement; it protects Ghana’s marine resources and those who depend on them. Ratifying this Agreement reinforces Ghana's role as a responsible coastal state committed to sustainability and international cooperation.

As implementation begins, the government promises continuous engagement with stakeholders. This ensures broad understanding of practical applications of the Agreement's measures.

This development positions Ghana as a regional leader in sustainable fisheries governance while hosting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). It highlights its dedication to environmental stewardship and economic resilience.