“The future of Ghana’s fisheries will be won or lost at the community level, and without strong local leadership, no national policy can deliver the change we seek.”
With these compelling words, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, delivered a firm call to action at the National Chief Fishermen and Fishmongers (Queen Mothers) Conference held at the Accra International Conference Centre.
Hon. Ibrahim, addressing Chief Fishermen, Queen Mothers, fishmongers, and coastal leaders from the Greater Accra, Central, Volta, and Western Regions, underscored the central role of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in safeguarding Ghana’s marine resources and championing sustainable fisheries management.
He noted that under the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936), Assemblies are not just administrative units but “drivers of local development and key partners in community-level resource management.” He emphasised that MMDAs must integrate fisheries governance, coastal protection, and natural resource planning into their development strategies.
“Our Assemblies must work hand in hand with Chief Fishermen and Queen Mothers. Without that collaboration, we cannot enforce responsible practices or protect the livelihoods that depend on our waters,” he stated.
The Minister explained that MMDAs play a frontline role in translating the Fisheries Act, 2023 (Act 1146), into practical community action, including enforcing by-laws, ensuring sanitation at landing sites, promoting compliance with fishing regulations, and coordinating with traditional authorities.
He also highlighted the Local Economic Development (LED) Policy (2024 to 2029), stressing that Assemblies must create an enabling environment for local livelihoods, particularly in fish processing, cold chain systems, market access, youth skills development, and business support for women in the fisheries value chain.
Addressing the growing impact of climate change, Hon. Ibrahim called on Assemblies to take the lead in adaptation measures such as mangrove restoration, shoreline protection, and sensitisation of coastal communities.
“If we fail to act with urgency, we risk losing not only our marine resources but the cultural identity and economic strength of our coastal communities,” he warned.
He further urged MMDAs to tap into emerging opportunities within the Blue Economy, including aquaculture development, marine spatial planning, coastal tourism, and equitable distribution of benefits from marine resources.
The conference, hosted by the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Hon. Emelia Arthur, and attended by His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, formed part of Ghana’s commemoration of World Fisheries Day. It brought together fisherfolk associations and traditional authorities to examine the Reset Agenda for the fisheries sector.
Hon. Ibrahim praised the indispensable leadership of Chief Fishermen, Queen Mothers, and women processors, describing them as “custodians of coastal wisdom” whose roles in community mobilisation remain vital.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with traditional authorities and ensuring that local governance structures play their full role in protecting Ghana’s fisheries for future generations.
“Let us protect our waters, empower our fishing families, and secure a resilient future for Ghana’s coast,” he concluded.
Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann
MLGCRA PR Unit