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Ghana is poised to benefit substantially from the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) historic Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, which officially entered into force on September 15, 2025.
The deal—hailed as the first multilateral trade agreement with environmental sustainability at its heart—commits member states to eliminate billions of dollars in harmful subsidies that drive overfishing and threaten global marine ecosystems.
At a special WTO General Council meeting in Geneva, Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala described the pact as “a landmark for global trade governance,” praising members for safeguarding the livelihoods of fishing communities worldwide.
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Ghana ratified the agreement on May 30, 2025, after Cabinet approval in April. Its instrument of acceptance was deposited with the WTO on July 2, underscoring the nation’s leadership in sustainable ocean governance.
This milestone aligns with Ghana’s newly enacted Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025 (Act 1146), which strengthens accountability in the fisheries sector. Marine fisheries play a vital role in national food security, jobs, and coastal livelihoods, but declining stocks and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing have placed the industry under immense strain.
Key Benefits for Ghana
- Sustainable Fisheries: Curtailing subsidies that fuel overfishing and IUU practices will help fish stocks recover, ensuring more stable and sustainable catches.
- Improved Data & Transparency: Mandatory reporting and better data systems will sharpen fisheries management and accountability.
- Enhanced Global Standing: Ghana’s early ratification reinforces its leadership in sustainable development and strengthens its role as host of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
- Technical & Financial Support: Through the WTO Fish Fund—backed by over USD 18 million in pledges—Ghana will access technical assistance and capacity-building to implement the deal effectively.
- Economic Opportunities: Restored fish stocks and fairer trade rules will enhance the competitiveness and long-term profitability of Ghana’s fishing industry.
- Stronger Fight Against IUU Fishing: The ban on subsidies for IUU activities directly bolsters Ghana’s crackdown on illegal operators undermining national fisheries.
Globally, with 35.5 percent of fish stocks already overexploited and harmful subsidies estimated at USD 22 billion annually, the agreement marks a crucial turning point for ocean sustainability.
For Ghana, it provides a framework to protect livelihoods, secure food supplies, and anchor the nation’s reputation as a champion of sustainable fisheries.
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