President Mahama Signs Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill into Law

On 22 August 2025, President John Dramani Mahama assented to the Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill, 2025, officially enacting it into law as Act 1146.

This pivotal legislation introduces extensive reforms aimed at promoting sustainability, regulatory compliance, and bolstering the livelihoods of small-scale fishers.  According to a statement from the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture, which was relayed to the Ghana News Agency, the new law—already approved by Parliament in July 2025—is a transformative step toward shaping a sustainable, equitable, and economically dynamic fisheries sector aligned with international standards. 

Key Features of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025 (Act 1146):

• Independent Fisheries Commission: Establishes a fully autonomous body responsible for the development, management, and conservation of Ghana’s fisheries and aquaculture resources. 

• Strengthened Legal and Regulatory Framework: The Act aligns domestic fisheries regulations with international best practices, aiming to enhance Ghana’s global market access and reputation. 

• Protection of Seafood Exports: By closing regulatory and compliance gaps, the law seeks to shield over USD 425 million in annual seafood exports and prevent trade sanctions. 

• Tougher Enforcement against Illegal Fishing: The Act introduces harsher penalties to combat unlawful fishing practices, with the objective of restoring depleted fish stocks and safeguarding marine biodiversity. 

• Improved Safety and Welfare for Fishers: Provisions are made to elevate safety, security, and welfare standards for crew members and workers aboard fishing vessels. 

• Expansion of the Inshore Exclusive Zone (IEZ): The IEZ is extended from 6 to 12 nautical miles, enhancing protection for breeding grounds, increasing sustainable catch potential, and supporting the livelihoods of over 2.7 million artisanal fishers, while bolstering food security. 

The new legislation is hailed as a landmark law, securing Ghana’s fisheries resources, enhancing compliance with international trade standards, supporting local livelihoods, and laying the groundwork for the long-term growth and sustainability of the fisheries sector.