Ghana to attain EU green card status in fishing

Ghana’s fishing sector is progressing steadily and would soon attain a European Union green card status from the current yellow status, which would provide her access to markets in Europe.

The government has demonstrated political will by instituting pragmatic policies and programmes to enhance opportunities for the industry to attract the necessary investments and create jobs and wealth for economic development and growth.

At a meeting last week, EU ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Caesar and his team expressed optimism about Ghana attaining the green card status because she has proven beyond all reasonable doubt the desire to adhere to standards as agreed in the road map.

According to him, the EU’s concern is to restore sanity and fairness and develop a sustainable fishing sector by adopting best practices for food security and health.

He praised the Ministry for Fisheries and Aquaculture for their effort, hard work and commitment to follow the road map to completion point.

The deliberations and collaborations, he said, have strengthened their partnership and friendship

The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Madam Sherry Ayittey assured the EU team Ghana will work hard to meet the completion point to offer her opportunity to access the global market, which is critical to the county’s fishing sector to support the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

She noted that the country has initiated various reforms to restore sanity in the industry to make it competitive at the continental and global levels.

These, she said, include the Amendment of the Fisheries Act, equipping and strengthening law enforcement, developing fishing management plans and building stronger and broader stakeholder consultation to enhance the industry.

She disclosed that the fisheries management plan is at cabinet and expressed hope to receive approval before the end of May, 2015 to bring to a close the EU/Ghana dialogue on sustaining fishing towards green card approval in June.

She averred that the country’s penalty for violating the fishing laws are punitive enough to deter offenders, which is US$1 million for first offence, US$ 2million for second offence and confiscation of vessels for third offence .

According to her, the Ministry has also intensified its surveillance operations to ensure safety of vessels and crew and build a well protected economic zone to maximize economic growth aimed at becoming a sub-regional leader.

The sector, through its stakeholder engagement, is educating fishermen to adopt best practices and avoid illegal fishing.