The Member of Parliament for Ablekuma North, Ewurabena Aubynn, is advocating improved livelihoods and long-term sustainability for fisherfolks across the country.

Her intervention came during proceedings of the Government Assurances Committee, where she posed a public interest question to the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Emelia Arthur, on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

Raising concerns that reflect the realities of both coastal and inland fishing communities, Madam Aubynn called for clear and practical measures to secure the future of the fisheries sector while improving incomes.

“Honourable Minister, our fisherfolks across the country want you to share with them some of the Ministry’s current interventions in the fisheries sector for long-term sustainability while improving their income levels,” she queried.

Her question highlighted growing concerns over declining fish stocks, rising operational costs, and limited social protection for those in the sector.

In response, the minister acknowledged structural challenges and outlined a range of government interventions. She explained that Ghana’s fisheries sector comprises three main sub-sectors—marine, inland, and aquaculture—each requiring targeted policy attention.

A key initiative, she noted, is the development of a hybrid pension and insurance scheme to extend social protection to fisherfolks, fish processors, and fish farmers, many of whom operate within the informal economy.

On production, the Minister revealed a significant supply gap. With annual demand estimated at 1.2 million metric tonnes and domestic production at about 650,000 metric tonnes, Ghana continues to rely heavily on fish imports.

To bridge the gap, she outlined a multi-pronged strategy, including the creation of marine protected areas to allow fish stocks to regenerate and increased investment in aquaculture, particularly for youth and women.

The minister also highlighted efforts to provide essential inputs such as outboard motors, fishing nets, and improved fish-smoking ovens to replace older, health-compromising methods, especially in inland communities.

Additionally, she pointed to regulatory reforms, including a proposed extension of the inshore exclusion zone to 12 nautical miles, aimed at protecting artisanal fishers who supply a significant portion of the country’s fish.

While the minister’s response outlined a roadmap for reform, Madam Aubynn’s intervention is being viewed as a strong push to ensure that policy commitments translate into real benefits for fisherfolks.

Her advocacy reflects a growing focus in Parliament on not just productivity in the fisheries sector, but also the welfare and resilience of the communities that sustain it.

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