EU bans export of tuna from Ghana

The European Union has banned the export of raw and processed tuna from Ghana and other West African countries into its member countries.

Joy Business has learnt the ban came into force around the end of last month.


According to the EU, Ghana government has not done enough to check illegal and unregulated fishing of tuna in its waters.


The country has as a result of the ban lost about 20 million Euros of export income so far whilst about 600 thousand workers are expected to lose their jobs.


Meanwhile, the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture development has set up a five member committee to investigate the breaches leveled against Ghana.

The committee is expected to submit its report in two weeks time.


The ministry has also put in place some measures in the short term to address concerns raised by the EU.


The Sector Minister, Nyaon Bilijo told Joy Business the actions should soon see the ban lifted.


In a related development, Joy Business has gathered that one of the biggest exporters of tuna to the EU, Pioneer Food Cannery is planning to layoff some 300 workers as a result of the development.