• Talks opened with Canada’s University of British Columbia on sector reforms

• Cooperation would focus on data, subsidies, and blue economy governance

• Fish output remains below past highs, fueling large import needs

Ghana’s Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture said on December 19 it has begun discussions with researchers from the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Canada as part of efforts to modernize and improve the sustainability of the sector.

The ministry said in the statement that talks aim to lay the groundwork for a strategic partnership focused on science-based policymaking, economic analysis, and institutional reforms to strengthen fisheries governance and support the development of Ghana’s blue economy.

According to the authorities, discussions covered 11 potential areas of cooperation. These include strengthening national fisheries data systems, conducting economic assessments of marine resources, reforming subsidies and fleet capacity, and designing a governance framework for the blue economy. The ministry said the exchanges highlighted an opportunity for Ghana to draw on world-class scientific, economic, and policy expertise to improve fisheries management, protect livelihoods, and support sustainable growth. Further talks are expected to define concrete work programs, timelines, and implementation arrangements.

The push to improve governance comes as Ghana’s fishing sector continues to struggle to return to its historical peak. Fish catches reached a high of 496,770 tons in 1999, but data compiled by the FAO show that total landings from inland and marine waters declined by 22.6% to 384,370 tons in 2023.

Reviving the sector is seen as key to reducing Ghana’s reliance on imports, particularly as aquaculture output remains too limited to offset falling wild catches. With annual fish consumption estimated at 24.6 kg per person, the country recorded an annual fish supply deficit of more than 640,000 tons in 2021, according to official data.

Fish also remains one of Ghana’s main food expenditure items. In 2024, the country imported nearly 1.25 billion cedis ($109.3 million) worth of frozen fish, according to the Ghana Statistical Service. It remains to be seen whether the proposed partnership with UBC researchers will translate into concrete measures to address these structural challenges.

Stéphanas Assocle