The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mrs Emelia Arthur, has inaugurated a Ministerial Advisory Board for the ministry to strengthen policy coherence, accountability, and effective service delivery in the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
Speaking at the ceremony on Thursday in Accra, she noted that the advisory board was set up in accordance with Sections 39, 40, and 41 of the Civil Service Act, 1994 (PNDCL 327).
She said that the board was both a statutory obligation and a strategic governance intervention aimed at improving decision-making and deepening stakeholder engagement within the sector.
“The Ministerial Advisory Board is mandated to provide strategic guidance to shape and refine the Ministry’s policies, plans, and operations. Its advisory role on policy direction, planning objectives, and operational strategies is critical to addressing the complex challenges facing the fisheries and aquaculture sector,” she stated.
Mrs Arthur noted that the diversity of expertise represented on the board will enhance evidence-based policymaking, environmental compliance, maritime safety, effective decentralised implementation, and the protection of fisherfolk’s livelihoods.
“Representatives from research institutions will provide analytical support, while regulatory and maritime agencies will contribute expertise in environmental protection, navigation, logistics, and fisheries development. Industry and fisheries association representatives are expected to ensure that the concerns and welfare of fisherfolk and aquaculture operators are fully reflected in policy deliberations,” she added.
The Minister serves as Chairperson of the Board, supported by the Chief Director of the Ministry, in accordance with the Civil Service Act.
Other members include Prof. Francis K. E. Nunoo (Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences, University of Ghana), Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali (Director-General, Ghana Maritime Authority), Mr. Jacob Doe Adzikah (Chief Executive Officer, Chamber of Aquaculture Ghana), Nana Jojo Solomon (President, National Fisheries Association of Ghana), Major General Paul Seidu Tanye Kulono, (Director General, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority), Prof. Lord Mensah, (Head of Local Government Services), and Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse, (Chief Executive Officer, Environmental Protection Agency).