President John Dramani Mahama has assented to the Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill, 2025, formally enacting it as the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025 (Act 1146).
The legislation, which Parliament passed in July, introduces far-reaching reforms designed to safeguard Ghana’s marine resources, boost compliance with international standards, and improve the welfare of fishing communities.
A central feature of the Act is the creation of an Independent Fisheries Commission to oversee development, management, and conservation of fisheries and aquaculture resources. The law also doubles Ghana’s Inshore Exclusive Zone (IEZ) from six to 12 nautical miles, protecting breeding grounds and ensuring better catches for more than 2.7 million artisanal fishers.
With Ghana’s seafood exports valued at over $425 million annually, the Act closes regulatory gaps that have previously left the sector vulnerable to trade sanctions. It also enforces tougher penalties against illegal fishing practices, while promoting marine biodiversity and sustainable stock recovery.
Beyond environmental safeguards, the legislation enhances labour standards, safety, and welfare for fishing crews and workers, ensuring more equitable conditions across the sector.
According to the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, the new law represents “a transformative step toward building a sustainable, equitable, and economically viable fisheries industry” that strengthens food security while securing the livelihoods of millions of Ghanaians.
