Ghana is moving into marine culture, or fish farming in the sea. It plans to boost local fish production. The goal is to secure more food for citizens. It will also create jobs for young people.
This new plan aims to fix the problem of shrinking fish supplies. Ghana imports a lot of fish. The country wants to rely less on these imports. Madam Emelia Arthur, the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, announced the plan. She spoke at a workshop in Accra on May 14, 2026. She said the fish sector is at a critical point. Government efforts will help restock fish. They will also bring order to the industry.
Several factors have caused fish stocks to fall. Overfishing is a major reason. Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing also hurt supplies. Climate change causes problems. Enforcement of rules is weak. Running fishing businesses is expensive. There is not enough good infrastructure for the industry. National demand for fish is about 1.2 million metric tonnes each year. Local production from the sea, rivers, and farms is only 600,000 to 700,000 metric tonnes. This leaves a gap of almost 500,000 metric tonnes.
Marine culture has not been done before in Ghana. The government sees it as a way to get more fish. It will also help manage fisheries sustainably. Gold Coast Mariculture Limited has a provisional license. This is for Ghana’s first expected mariculture project. Fish provides nearly 60 percent of protein for Ghanaians. Countries like China, Japan, and Norway use marine culture successfully.
Private companies are interested in this project. It fits Ghana's plan for a "blue economy," which uses ocean resources wisely. Dr. Andrews Agyekumhene, a senior lecturer at the University of Ghana, supports the idea. He believes marine culture can greatly increase fish output. He stated that the private sector has the money and skills. The government will provide rules and strong enforcement. Dr. Agyekumhene thinks the project could start in two years. This depends on completing technical studies and creating policies. Feasibility studies will check areas in the Central Region, Ada, and the Volta estuary. They will look at water quality and if the environment can support fish farming. They will also assess if it is safe and profitable.
Pollution from illegal mining and factory waste could harm marine projects. Dr. Agyekumhene warned about this. He said some areas in the Western Region are good for farming. However, pollution from mining could ruin these sites. The project will help restock fisheries. Ghana has also created its first Marine Protected Area. This area is in the Greater Cape Three Points. It covers over 700 square kilometres. The goal is to bring back fish. It also aims to protect sea animals like sharks and turtles.