Ghana Stakes Claim in Regional Fishing Management Amid Climate Change

Ghana has taken a significant step in regional fishing management by hosting a capacity-building workshop for fishermen, fish processors, and community leaders to strengthen sustainable fisheries management in the face of climate change. The workshop, organized by Fisheries Without Borders (FWB), brought together stakeholders from Ghana, Nigeria, and Benin to address declining fish stocks in the Gulf of Guinea through collaborative fisheries management.

The Gulf of Guinea region is home to some of the world's most vulnerable fisheries, with fish catches declining sharply over the past three decades. Marine landings have dropped from about 900,000 tonnes to approximately 400,000 tonnes, raising concerns about food security and livelihoods. Fish remains Ghana's most important source of animal protein, contributing about 60 per cent of protein intake in many households, while the fisheries value chain supports more than two million people involved in harvesting, processing, and distribution.

Ghana Country Lead for the Fisheries Without Borders project and faculty member at the University of Ghana's Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences, Professor F.K.E. Nunoo, emphasized the need for a new approach that places communities at the centre of fisheries management. He noted that introducing co-management systems alone would not guarantee improved food security, livelihoods, or sustainability unless communities understand their roles in making such systems effective.

Dr Angela Lamptey, Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana and Chairperson of the Scientific and Technical Committee of the Fisheries Commission, took participants through areas including fisheries co-management, ethical principles, rights-based approaches, climate resilience, and community governance. She stressed that fisheries regulations are more effective when fishers participate in developing them, adding that women and young people must also be represented in decision-making processes.

The workshop examined the impact of climate change on fisheries, with experts noting that the ocean has absorbed more than 90 per cent of excess heat generated by greenhouse gas emissions since industrialization. Rising sea temperatures are forcing fish species to migrate farther offshore and into deeper waters, making it increasingly difficult for artisanal fishers to access them. Participants highlighted the impact of rising sea levels, coastal erosion, flooding of fishing settlements, unpredictable rainfall patterns, and increasing toxic algae blooms on fishing communities.

Experts noted that addressing these challenges requires stronger cooperation among neighbouring countries because fish stocks are shared across borders. Ghana, Nigeria, and Benin together account for more than two-thirds of the Gulf of Guinea coastline, making regional collaboration essential for sustainable fisheries management.

Some participants raised concerns about fishing bans being introduced without adequate explanation, especially for women fish processors who depend entirely on fish sales for their livelihoods. They also expressed concern over weak enforcement of some fisheries regulations after restrictions are announced. President of the National Fisheries Association of Ghana, Nana Jojo Solomon, encouraged participants to share the knowledge acquired with members of their respective fishing communities.

A member of the project’s collaborating partners team, Dr Andrews Agyekumhene, conducted baseline and endline surveys during the workshop to assess changes in participants’ knowledge and confidence. Professor Nunoo emphasized the importance of building on traditional knowledge from experienced fishers and community elders, which remains valuable and should complement scientific approaches in fisheries management.

The workshop also stressed that co-management systems built on accountability, shared responsibility, and community participation offer one of the most effective ways of addressing the overexploitation of shared marine resources.

Fisheries Without Borders has been working to strengthen sustainable fisheries management in the Gulf of Guinea region through collaborative initiatives among Ghana, Nigeria, and Benin. The project aims to enhance the capacity of fishing communities to develop and implement effective fisheries management practices.