The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mrs Emelia Arthur, has called for a strategic and sustainable partnership between Ghana and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to accelerate investment and growth in the fisheries sector.
She made the call during a courtesy visit to the UAE Ambassador to Ghana, Dr Abdulla Al Mandoos, at the UAE Embassy in Accra, where both parties discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in the fisheries industry.
Speaking at the meeting, Madam Arthur identified fish production and fish exports as priority areas with significant untapped potential.
She said Ghana’s fisheries sector offered viable entry points for UAE investment, particularly in the areas of mariculture development, value-chain enhancement, and export market expansion.
“Ghana is open for investment in our fisheries sector. We see tremendous opportunities in fish production and exports, and we are committed to working with the UAE to unlock this potential,” she said.
She further stressed the need to strengthen compliance within the fisheries sector. She said robust regulatory frameworks, supported by development partners such as the UAE, were essential to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the industry.
She noted that improved compliance mechanisms would not only protect Ghana’s marine resources but also create a more attractive environment for foreign direct investment.
She also underscored the importance of expanding mariculture as a key growth area within the sector.
The Minister said mariculture held significant potential to supplement traditional fishing and boost seafood output for both domestic consumption and export.
In his response, Dr Al Mandoos expressed strong interest from the UAE in partnering with Ghana on ocean-related initiatives.
He emphasised the importance of learning from Ghana’s experiences and understanding the country’s specific needs to build targeted and sustainable investments.
The Ambassador highlighted the economic potential of Ghana’s fish production sector and stressed the strategic importance of connecting global markets with African markets to create new opportunities for trade and commerce.
“We are keen on exploring what the fisheries sector in Ghana offers and how the UAE can be a meaningful partner in its development,” he said.
The two sides concluded the meeting with a shared commitment to explore and expand opportunities, including promoting job creation, ensuring food security, and driving economic growth in Ghana’s fisheries sector.