Ghana has taken a significant step toward transforming its fisheries and aquaculture sector following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CIHEAM Bari under the AREA Africa Programme.

The agreement was signed on 20th February 2026 in Bari, Italy, by the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, and the Director of CIHEAM Bari, Dr. Biagio Di Terlizzi, marking the culmination of a high-level official visit to Italy from 14th to 21st February 2026.

The partnership establishes a strategic framework for cooperation between Ghana and Italy aimed at advancing sustainable fisheries management, aquaculture development, research and training, institutional capacity building, private sector investment, and Blue Economy growth.

Key Focus Areas

Under the MoU, both parties will collaborate to:

Strengthen institutional capacity within Ghana’s fisheries and aquaculture sector

Improve fisheries governance and support fish stock recovery systems

Promote aquaculture innovation, including offshore marine aquaculture

Expand research collaboration and postgraduate training opportunities

Encourage private sector partnerships and investment

Enhance climate resilience and sustainable Blue Economy development

Lessons from Italy’s Maritime Sector

During the official visit, the Ghanaian delegation held technical engagements in Bari, Monopoli, Tricase, Gallipoli, and Torre Suda, meeting with Italian maritime authorities, fisheries cooperatives, aquaculture operators, seafood processors, and training institutions.

The engagements provided valuable insights into:

Community-led fisheries management models

Offshore marine aquaculture systems

Modern fish processing, cold chain logistics, and traceability technologies

Maritime safety, vessel monitoring, and surveillance systems

Marine Protected Area governance and ecosystem restoration strategies

These practical lessons are expected to strengthen Ghana’s ongoing efforts to modernise the fisheries sector, reduce post-harvest losses, enhance monitoring and enforcement systems, and promote sustainable livelihoods in coastal communities.

Advancing Ghana’s Reform Agenda

The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture has indicated that it will work closely with CIHEAM Bari and other stakeholders to develop a clear implementation roadmap. The objective is to ensure that the partnership delivers measurable outcomes that support Ghana’s fisheries reform programme and broader Blue Economy agenda.

The agreement signals Ghana’s commitment to leveraging international cooperation to build a resilient, innovation-driven, and environmentally sustainable fisheries sector capable of securing long-term economic and food security benefits for its citizens.