THE FISHERIES SECTOR IN GHANA: INSTITUTIONAL AND REGULATORY GAPS, CHALLENGES AND FUTURE PROSPECTS

Abstract

The fisheries sector in Ghana contributes significantly to its socio-economic development. The sector contributes about 4.5% of Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and provides livelihood for an estimated 10% of the population.[1] The Ghanaian fishing fleet is made up of artisanal or canoe, inshore or semi-industrial, industrial trawler and tuna fleets,[2] all of which are regulated by the Fisheries Commission (FC). This paper examines the inherent institutional and procedural contradictions undermining the implementation of fishery law and policy in Ghana. The paper adopted a review approach by reviewing relevant literature including policies and legal documents, reports, journal articles, newspaper articles and interviews. The study reveals that contradictions undermining fisheries law implementation is due mainly to weak and inadequate enforcement, low compliance of fisheries laws, and inadequate institutional and human capacity.[3] The paper concluded that there is a lack of administrative and technical capacity, inadequate funding, and political influence during the prosecution of violators.[4] The paper recommended the need to increase funding for regulatory agencies, enhancement of human and institutional capacity, involvement of stakeholders in decision-making of fisheries management, continuous and effective collaboration with international donors, and between stakeholders.