Parliament has passed the Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill, 2025, in a move expected to overhaul the regulatory framework governing Ghana’s fisheries and aquaculture sector. The new law seeks to promote sustainable use of the country’s fisheries resources while paying particular attention to the growth and regulation of the aquaculture industry.
The passage of the Bill comes at a time when aquaculture is emerging as a strategic sector for food security, job creation, and export growth. For stakeholders in the aquaculture space, the legislation offers clarity, targeted support, and stronger institutional backing.
One of the key provisions of the Bill is the mandate given to the Fisheries Commission to promote and oversee the sustainable development of aquaculture. This includes the formulation of policies, regulation of aquaculture practices, and monitoring of fish farming activities nationwide.
Also, the law provides for aquaculture's representation in sector governance and wider stakeholder participation. It requires that the Fisheries Commission's governing board have a representative with aquaculture experience. A commitment to inclusive and gender-responsive leadership in the fisheries and aquaculture industry is also demonstrated by the appointment of a woman with experience in gender, trade, and fish processing who has to be nominated by stakeholders.
The Bill also allows for the creation of designated aquaculture zones. These zones are expected to support orderly development, reduce land and water use conflicts, and encourage investment by providing secured and regulated areas for aquaculture operations.
Industry players have welcomed the Bill as a progressive step that recognizes the unique needs and growth potential of aquaculture in Ghana.
The passage of the Bill, is a step in the right direction towards streamlining aquaculture governance and encouraging investment in the aquaculture sector.
The law further establishes a Fisheries and Aquaculture Development Fund aimed at supporting research, training, infrastructure development, and especially providing targeted assistance to small-scale fish farming enterprises.
The legislation sets a clearer path for the growth of aquaculture in Ghana, creating opportunities to improve regulatory oversight, expand support for small-scale producers, and advance responsible fish farming nationwide.