Ratify WTO agreement on fisheries subsidies-Parliament's Committee urges

Ghana is taking a significant step toward strengthening marine conservation and aligning its international trade, as two key parliamentary committees have recommended ratifying the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.

The Committees on Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs and Trade, Industry, and Tourism jointly proposed that Ghana endorse the global agreement, which seeks to eliminate subsidies that encourage overfishing and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The recommendation was tabled in Parliament on Friday by Dr. Godfred Seidu Jasaw, Chairman of the Agriculture Committee.

Dr. Jasaw underscored the agreement’s importance in advancing sustainable marine resource management and supporting international efforts to curb harmful fisheries practices. He noted that Ghana’s ratification would reinforce its role as a champion of regional and global cooperation, especially as host of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and a founding member of the African Union (AU).

He emphasized that adopting the WTO agreement would improve the nation’s fisheries governance through better data systems, increased transparency among member states, and reinforced actions against IUU fishing. Other anticipated benefits include greater trade equity, job creation, food security, poverty reduction, and improved foreign exchange earnings.

Despite these prospects, the Committees acknowledged concerns about how the agreement might affect small-scale and artisanal fishers. These groups often depend on government subsidies for essentials such as premix fuel, fishing nets, and boat engines. The report stressed the need for measures to cushion such vulnerable communities.

To that end, the Committees recommended that the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture finalize and introduce a revised Fisheries Bill that incorporates the WTO agreement’s provisions. They committed to monitoring the drafting and passage of the bill to ensure it aligns with both Ghana’s global obligations and the economic realities of local fishers.

During parliamentary debate, several Members of Parliament highlighted the need for environmentally responsible practices in the fishing sector. They called for the reduction of plastic use, promotion of locally sourced fishing materials, and improved conditions for fisheries personnel.

Habib Iddrisu, MP for Tolon, who supported the motion, stressed the need to protect fishermen’s livelihoods through thoughtful mitigation strategies. Tamale Central MP Murtala Mohammed urged the government to invest in infrastructure, modern equipment, and support systems to empower fishing communities.

Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, welcomed the proposal and highlighted the relevance of the agreement to Ghana’s current standing with the European Union, which had issued the country a "yellow card" over lapses in combating IUU fishing.

She noted that ratifying the agreement could lead to improved sustainability and economic opportunities, while fostering transparency and cooperation among WTO member states.