2027 Budget: Government to intensify fight against illegal fishing, strengthen licensing regime – Ato Forson

Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson announced measures to combat illegal fishing and bolster Ghana's licensing regime during his presentation of the 2027 Budget Statement to Parliament on November 12. The government aims to address the country's fish supply deficit, estimated at 500,000 metric tonnes per year, and enhance food security.

Aquaculture will become the primary source of additional fish supply, while initiatives to restore marine and inland fisheries will be implemented. The government will provide support to commercial and smallholder aquaculture operators, including access to quality broodstock, fingerlings, feed, cages, ponds, tanks, aquatic health laboratories, and disease surveillance systems.

Additionally, the government will link fish production to cold-chain facilities, hygienic processing, testing, transportation, and reliable markets to minimize post-harvest losses. Construction of modern fishing villages and landing sites is also planned to improve conditions in the fishing industry. Dr Forson emphasized that the objective is to increase fish supply without depleting natural resources needed for future production.

Other interventions under the government's agricultural transformation agenda include achieving sugar self-sufficiency by 2030, developing the poultry value chain, expanding oil palm plantations, and creating job opportunities.