DAY TWO HIGHLIGHTS | National Conference of Chief Fishermen & Queen Fishmongers 2025
Guest of Honour: H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana
Day Two brought renewed energy into Ghana’s fisheries dialogue especially for us, around marine governance and the future of Ghana’s first prospective Marine Protected Area (MPA).
In his address, President John Dramani Mahama outlined transformative commitments for the sector:
🔹 A national spotlight on MPAs
The President reaffirmed Cabinet’s approval for Ghana’s first prospective MPA, signalling that Ghana is entering a new era of ocean protection.
This is a major moment one we at Hen Mpoano have been technically supporting for over a decade, working closely with the Ministry of Fisheries & Aquaculture (Fisheries GH ) and the Ghana Fisheries Commission HQ. to map ecological hotspots, engage communities, and guide the communication and outreach process.
🔹 Strengthening traditional fisheries governance
Traditional Councils and District Assemblies will receive support to formalise and implement traditional by-laws on non-fishing days, reinforcing community-level stewardship.
🔹 Deepening inclusivity in co-management
Chief fishermen and queen fishmongers will be formally included in all fisheries co-management structures.
This aligns strongly with Hen Mpoano’s long-standing bottom-up engagement approach and our technical support modules piloted across coastal communities.
As national momentum builds, we are excited to see the MPA conversation finally taking centre stage. Ghana’s marine ecosystems need this step, and coastal communities stand to benefit from improved fish stocks, healthier habitats, and long-term ocean resilience.
We also valued the strong message from His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II (Ga Mantse) on sustainable fishing, the fight against IUU, and the urgent need to keep landing beaches clean as plastic pollution continues to affect catches.
Hen Mpoano remains committed to supporting the Ministry and Fisheries Commission through technical expertise, advocacy, community-level facilitation, and science-driven communication as Ghana moves toward the formal designation of its first MPA.
We say congratulations to Hon Emelia Arthur the sector Minister for this novel initiative
The future of Ghana’s marine space is shifting and we are ready to help shape it.
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