Ghana Reaffirms Commitment to Global Cooperation Against Fisheries Crime at Blue Justice 2025 Conference
Ghana has reinforced its dedication to international collaboration in the fight against fisheries-related crime as the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Hon. Emelia Arthur, led a national delegation to the Blue Justice 2025 Conference in Denmark from 2nd to 5th December 2025.
The high-level conference, held under the theme “United in Action Against Fisheries Crime,” brought together ministers, maritime authorities, enforcement agencies, and global partners to discuss coordinated strategies to combat illegal activities threatening the world’s ocean resources.
Addressing the international gathering, Hon. Emelia Arthur reaffirmed Ghana’s unwavering commitment to strengthening maritime and fisheries law enforcement. She emphasised that fisheries crime has evolved into a complex and transnational challenge—one that demands stronger global alliances, improved information flow, and unified enforcement systems.
The Minister outlined six shared priority actions Ghana is advancing with its regional and international partners:
1. Joint Patrols – enhancing coordinated operations across maritime borders.
2. Real-Time Intelligence Sharing – improving early detection and response to illegal fishing activities.
3. Specialised Capacity Building – equipping enforcement officers with advanced tools and skills.
4. Mutual Legal Assistance – strengthening cross-border legal processes for effective prosecution.
5. Harmonised Penalties – ensuring consistent sanctions across jurisdictions to deter offenders.
6. Sustained Political Commitment – maintaining strong leadership and long-term investment in maritime security.
Hon. Arthur stressed that tackling fisheries crime is essential not only for protecting marine ecosystems, but also for safeguarding the livelihoods of millions of Ghanaians who depend on the ocean for food and income. She further noted that Ghana will continue to deepen cooperation with global partners under the Blue Justice Initiative and other multilateral frameworks aimed at securing the world’s oceans.
Ghana’s participation in the Blue Justice 2025 Conference underscores the country’s ongoing efforts to build a robust and collaborative response to illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing—ensuring sustainable fisheries management and enhanced maritime governance for the future.
