Ghana Marks End of Seven-Year Fish for Development Programme

Ghana has officially concluded the Fish for Development (FFD) Programme, a landmark initiative under Ghana-Norway cooperation that advanced sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development.

At a closure workshop held at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, stakeholders reviewed achievements and discussed strategies to sustain progress made over the past seven years.

Delivering remarks on behalf of Hon. Emelia Arthur, Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Dr Afisah Zakariah, Chief Director of the Ministry, described the programme as a milestone in the Ghana and Norway partnership.

She commended Norway, NORAD, and local institutions for strengthening evidence-based decision-making, aquaculture innovation, and technical capacity.

The event also highlighted Ghana’s new Aquaculture Development Plan (2024–2028), digitalisation of farm registration, and improved aquatic animal health systems.

In the fisheries sector, reforms included a new Fisheries Management Plan, enhanced data systems, and stronger enforcement through Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) training.

Prof. Benjamin Campion, Executive Director of the Fisheries Commission, and H.E. John Mikal Kvistad, Ambassador of Norway, praised the collaboration as a model for sustainable ocean governance.

As the programme ends, Ghana aims to sustain its gains through continued partnerships and innovation to ensure resilient fisheries, healthy fish stocks, and improved livelihoods for coastal communities.

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