Ghana could face a complete EU ban on fish imports by 2026 unless it resolves longstanding issues in its marine environment. The European Union issued two yellow cards (2013 and 2021) regarding illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing . As the clock ticks, Ghana must implement stronger regulations now.
1. EU’s Yellow Cards & Looming Red Card
The yellow cards issued by the EU serve as a formal warning system. Continued non-compliance could escalate to a red card, triggering a permanent trade halt .
2. Why the Ban Matters
- Economic Impact: Fish is a top Ghana-EU export, generating life-changing foreign exchange. A ban would endanger livelihoods of over 3 million people in the industry
- Food Security: Fish makes up around 60% of animal protein consumption; overfishing due to illegal practices (like “saiko”) threatens this vital resource .
3. Root Causes of the Problem
- Illegal Fishing & Saiko: Industrial trawlers, often controlled offshore by foreign interests, use banned gear and illegally tranship juvenile fish .
- Ownership Lack Transparency: Up to 90% of trawlers are linked to Chinese owners via front companies, violating Ghanaian law.
- Weak Enforcement: Although laws exist, enforcement is weak, allowing overexploitation and poor compliance with penalties.
4. Government Action Plan
- Draft Fisheries Bill: Parliament is reviewing a comprehensive Fisheries Bill with 167 clauses aimed qat punishing illegalities, improving zone management, and strengthening oversight.
- Minister Pledges Reform: Emelia Arthur, Minister for Fisheries, promised rapid action to lift the yellow card and meet EU standards.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Government and industry stakeholders continue consultations to prioritise transparency, ownership disclosure, and criminalization of illegal actors .
5. Why Sanitisation of Marine Zones Matters
Sanitising fishing zones means enforcing laws—and redesignating zones for industrial, artisanal, and protected use. It curbs IUU hotspot activity and displays Ghana’s commitment to sustainable fishing.
6. Risks of Inaction
- EU Red Card: A permanent ban would deprive Ghana of major export revenue and damage relations with the EU.
- Local Livelihoods At Risk: Reduced catches worsen poverty in coastal communities with fewer animals protein available.
- Environmental Collapse: Continued overfishing could collapse fish stocks, destabilising the marine ecosystem .
7. Recommended Next Steps
- Pass the Fisheries Bill Promptly: Ensure it has the proper sanctions, monitoring measures and EU-aligned provisions.
- Boost Enforcement & Transparency: Publish license ownership, enforce fines, track vessels, and crack down on illegal operations.
- Engage with the EU & FAO: Submit the bill for feedback and technical support to meet EU IUU standards and ensure long-term compliance.
About the author
Italy Appoints World Cup Winner Gennaro Gattuso as Head Coach
On June 15, 2025, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) confirmed Gennaro Gattuso as the new head coach of the Italy national team, succeeding Luciano Spalletti, who resigned after a 3-0 loss to Norway. Gattuso signed an initial one-year contract aimed at guiding Italy through the remainder of the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, with critical fixtures against Estonia (Sept 5) and Israel. 1. A Symbol of Italian Football The 47-year-old Gattuso is a revered figure in Italian football—capped 73 times, part of the 2006 World Cup-winning squad, and remembered for his fiery leadership on the pitch. FIGC President Gabriele Gravina echoed this sentiment: “The Azzurra jersey is like a second skin for him”, praising his passion, professionalism, and suitability to lead Italy forward. 2. Coaching Track Record Gattuso brings varied managerial experience, having led clubs such as AC Milan, Napoli (winning the […]
Mass “No Kings” Protests Sweep U.S. as Trump Celebrates with Military Parade
On June 14, 2025, aligning with the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary and President Trump’s 79th birthday, massive protests erupted in over 2,000 cities, while Trump oversaw a high-profile military parade in Washington, D.C. 1. Scale & Coordination Dubbed the “No Kings” protests, the events may represent the largest single-day demonstrations in U.S. history—drawing 4–6 million people, or 1–2% of the population. Major urban centers such as New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Denver saw large turnouts. The organizing coalition featured the 50501 Movement and activist groups like NAACP, Indivisible, and the Women’s March. 2. Protest Motivations Participants rallied around concerns about: Perceived authoritarian drift and militarization of domestic governance. Use of National Guard and Marines in protests, especially in Los Angeles. Immigration policies, ICE raids, and erosion of democratic norms. 3. Celebrity and Civic Voice Actor Mark Ruffalo likened protestors […]
Education Ministry Consoles Families of Drowned Lawra SHS Students
In response to the tragic drowning of seven students from Lawra Senior High School, Ghana’s Ministry of Education, along with the Ghana Education Service (GES) and NADMO, has offered heartfelt condolences and support to the bereaved families. 1. Rescue Recovery Efforts The canoe carrying ten cadet-based SHS students capsized on the Black Volta River (River Dikpe) on Saturday, June 14, 2025, during a routine jogging session. While three students managed to swim to safety, seven tragically drowned. The final two bodies were recovered early Sunday morning, ending a nearly 24-hour search operation by a combined team of volunteers, police, GES officials, and NADMO personnel. 2. Ministry’s Consolation Role As verification of the recovery effort, officials from the Ministry of Education, GES, and regional disaster managers visited the affected families to express condolences and coordinate psychosocial and financial assistance. The Director-General […]
2025 FIFA Club World Cup: Guide to All 32 Teams and Format
1. Dates & Format When & Where: June 14 – July 13, 2025, across 12 venues in 11 US cities. Format: 32 clubs split into 8 groups of 4; group stage → top two advance to the Round of 16 → knockouts → final (no third-place play-off) . Prize Money: Nearly £100 million total, with significant financial rewards for participating and advancing clubs. 2. Qualified Clubs by Confederation Allocation follows FIFA’s approved slot system: UEFA (12 spots): Powerhouses like Manchester City, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, PSG, Chelsea, Juventus, Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan, Porto, Borussia Dortmund, Benfica, Red Bull Salzburg. CONMEBOL (6): Champions such as Flamengo, River Plate, Fluminense, Palmeiras, Boca Juniors, Botafogo. AFC (4): Al-Hilal, Ulsan Hyundai, J-League side Urawa Red Diamonds, Al Ain. CAF (3): Likely Al Ahly, Esperance, Wydad AC. CONCACAF (3): Inter Miami (host), Monterrey, Pachuca, plus Seattle […]
Ablakwa Announces Stricter Visa Regulations to Block Illegal Mining Nationals
Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced stricter visa requirements aimed at preventing the entry of foreign nationals intending to participate in illegal small-scale mining (galamsey). The announcement follows his recent diplomatic talks in China, where the focus was on stemming the flow of would-be galamsey operators from regions such as Nanning. 1. Why the New Visa Rules? Officials warn that some visas are being exploited by foreign nationals looking to engage in illegal mining. The new procedures will screen applicants more closely for intended engagement in galamsey, especially in regions known for sending illegal miners to Ghana. 2. Diplomatic Push in China During a June 14 meeting with Nanning city officials—including the Vice Mayor—Ablakwa described discussions as "frank and positive." He emphasized that the Mahama administration will not tolerate illegal mining whether by locals or foreigners, and […]
GRA Postpones Implementation of Energy Sector Levy Scheduled for June 16
Ghana’s Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has indefinitely postponed the roll-out of the Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy (ESSDRL)—a GH¢1 per litre fuel surcharge slated for June 16, 2025—after stakeholder consultations and a directive from the Finance Ministry. 1. Levy Background Introduced under the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Act 1141), the levy was fast-tracked through Parliament—with an estimated GH¢5.7 billion in annual revenue intended to cover energy-sector debts and stabilize power supply. 2. Reason for Postponement The GRA cited a directive from the Minister of Finance, following input from industry stakeholders such as AOMCs, NPA, and Ghana Link Network Services, requiring further operational and technical readiness before implementation. 3. Official Spokesperson’s Statement In a June 13 public notice, Commissioner-General Anthony Kwasi Sarpong confirmed the levy deferral. All relevant agencies—from ports to oil-marketing companies—have been alerted and told to await […]
Related
Education Ministry Consoles Families of Drowned Lawra SHS Students
In response to the tragic drowning of seven students from Lawra Senior High School, Ghana’s Ministry of Education, along with the Ghana Education Service (GES) and NADMO, has offered heartfelt condolences and support to the bereaved families. 1. Rescue Recovery Efforts The canoe carrying ten cadet-based SHS students capsized on the Black Volta River (River Dikpe) on Saturday, June 14, 2025, during a routine jogging session. While three students managed to swim to safety, seven tragically drowned. The final two bodies were recovered early Sunday morning, ending a nearly 24-hour search operation by a combined team of volunteers, police, GES officials, and NADMO personnel. 2. Ministry’s Consolation Role As verification of the recovery effort, officials from the Ministry of Education, GES, and regional disaster managers visited the affected families to express condolences and coordinate psychosocial and financial assistance. The Director-General […]
Ablakwa Announces Stricter Visa Regulations to Block Illegal Mining Nationals
Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced stricter visa requirements aimed at preventing the entry of foreign nationals intending to participate in illegal small-scale mining (galamsey). The announcement follows his recent diplomatic talks in China, where the focus was on stemming the flow of would-be galamsey operators from regions such as Nanning. 1. Why the New Visa Rules? Officials warn that some visas are being exploited by foreign nationals looking to engage in illegal mining. The new procedures will screen applicants more closely for intended engagement in galamsey, especially in regions known for sending illegal miners to Ghana. 2. Diplomatic Push in China During a June 14 meeting with Nanning city officials—including the Vice Mayor—Ablakwa described discussions as "frank and positive." He emphasized that the Mahama administration will not tolerate illegal mining whether by locals or foreigners, and […]
GRA Postpones Implementation of Energy Sector Levy Scheduled for June 16
Ghana’s Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has indefinitely postponed the roll-out of the Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy (ESSDRL)—a GH¢1 per litre fuel surcharge slated for June 16, 2025—after stakeholder consultations and a directive from the Finance Ministry. 1. Levy Background Introduced under the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Act 1141), the levy was fast-tracked through Parliament—with an estimated GH¢5.7 billion in annual revenue intended to cover energy-sector debts and stabilize power supply. 2. Reason for Postponement The GRA cited a directive from the Minister of Finance, following input from industry stakeholders such as AOMCs, NPA, and Ghana Link Network Services, requiring further operational and technical readiness before implementation. 3. Official Spokesperson’s Statement In a June 13 public notice, Commissioner-General Anthony Kwasi Sarpong confirmed the levy deferral. All relevant agencies—from ports to oil-marketing companies—have been alerted and told to await […]
Parliament to Vet Seven Supreme Court Nominees Beginning Monday, June 16
Starting Monday, June 16, 2025, Ghana’s Appointments Committee of Parliament will begin a three‑day vetting exercise for seven Supreme Court nominees, all currently serving as Justices on the Court of Appeal. 1. Who’s Being Vetted? All seven nominees are Appeal Court judges elevated by President John Dramani Mahama under Article 144(2) of the 1992 Constitution. Their names are: Justice Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei Justice Gbiel Simon Suurbaareh Justice Senyo Dzamefe Justice Kweku Tawiah Ackaah‑Boafo Justice Philip Bright Mensah Justice Janapare Bartels‑Kodwo Justice Hafisata Amaleboba 2. Purpose & Structure of the Hearings Over three days (June 16–18), the committee will scrutinize each nominee’s: Judicial competence and experience Knowledge of constitutional and human rights law Integrity and impartiality Judicial philosophy and past rulings Public engagement is expected, with citizens and legal stakeholders urged to submit observations and poses questions to the nominees. 3. […]
Seven Lawra SHS Students Feared Dead After Canoe Capsizes on Black Volta
A routine morning exercise turned into a tragedy for Lawra Senior High School on Saturday, June 14, 2025, when ten cadet students attempted to cross the Black Volta River near Dikpe in a small canoe. The boat capsized mid-river, and although three students swam to safety, seven are feared drowned. 1. What Happened During their regular jogging routine, the students spotted a canoe in use and spontaneously decided to cross. Midway, the small, overloaded canoe capsized, plunging all ten into the strong Volta current. Three survived, but seven were swept away. 2. Emergency Response Local authorities—including Ghana Police and NADMO—have mobilised divers and volunteers for a full-scale search operation. The Black Volta’s strong currents and lack of safety gear have complicated rescue efforts. 3. Recovery So Far Bodies Retrieved: At least four bodies (two boys, two girls) were recovered. Still Missing: […]
Mahama Warns Ghana Could Feel Oil Price Shock from Israel–Iran Conflict
President John Dramani Mahama has cautioned that escalating military exchanges between Israel and Iran are already lifting global crude oil prices, posing a real threat to Ghana's economic recovery and domestic fuel affordability. 1. Global Oil Prices on the Upswing The recent missile attacks have triggered a noticeable uptick in Brent and WTI crude prices—by over 7–10%, the most significant jump since the 2022 Ukraine crisis. Market fears center on potential supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and broader Middle East energy infrastructure. 2. Ghana Is Not Immune Despite being a crude oil producer, Ghana remains a net importer of refined petroleum. Mahama warned that surging global oil rates could reverse recent economic gains and impact domestic fuel prices. 3. Ministerial Directives Issued Recognizing the urgency, Mahama has ordered the Ministers of Finance and Energy to: Model the conflict’s […]
Be the first to leave a comment