Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Emelia Arthur
The Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Emelia Arthur, has called for deeper collaboration among African maritime stakeholders to combat illegal fishing and protect marine resources.
Speaking at the opening of the 4th International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (IMDEC 2025) on Tuesday, July 8, the Minister praised the Ghana Navy for its continued partnership with her ministry and highlighted the importance of inter-agency cooperation in addressing maritime security challenges.
Recounting her long-standing relationship with the Navy, Emilia Arthur said her admiration for the service began in 2011 when she served as Deputy Western Regional Minister.
“When the team from the Ghana Navy entered my office, I remember thinking I had died and gone to heaven—they looked so sharp in their immaculate white uniforms. I’ve loved the Navy ever since,” she said with a smile.
She noted that Ghana’s marine resources, especially within the Gulf of Guinea, are vital to the livelihoods of coastal communities and must be safeguarded through technology and coordinated enforcement efforts.
According to her, the Fisheries Ministry is intensifying the use of vessel monitoring systems, automatic identification systems, electronic catch documentation, and other surveillance technologies to IUU fishing.
“These vulnerable resources continue to face threats from IUU fishing and unsustainable practices. That is why we’re adopting modern surveillance technologies to improve transparency and enforcement,” she stressed.
The Minister commended the Ghana Navy for their role in joint patrols, sea surveillance, and enforcement operations alongside the Marine Police and the Fisheries Commission under the multi-agency Fisheries Enforcement Unit.
She cited key outcomes such as the suspension of four fishing vessels and enhanced real-time monitoring of infractions.
Despite these achievements, the Minister highlighted pressing challenges including inadequate patrol vessels, increasing sophistication of IUU operations, legal enforcement limitations, and resurgence of piracy in some coastal areas.
“Mr Chief of Staff, we need more patrol vessels. We must scale up our efforts to police our waters effectively,” she appealed.
She expressed optimism that increased investment in technology, regional cooperation through ECOWAS, the Gulf of Guinea Commission, and the acquisition of new patrol assets would strengthen Ghana’s maritime security.
“A secure ocean is not just a defense priority—it is an economic, social, and environmental imperative. Let us continue to build resilience and cooperation for a prosperous maritime future,” she concluded.
The two-day conference, hosted by the Ghana Navy, is under the theme: “Securing Africa’s Maritime Future: Collaboration, Technology and Sustainability in a Changing Geopolitical Landscape.”
AS/AME
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