The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mrs Emelia Arthur, has described the granting of Ghana’s first-ever mariculture licence as a bold step towards diversifying the country’s blue economy in a sustainable and responsible manner.
She said this on Monday when presenting a Provisional Licence to Gold Coast Mariculture Limited on behalf of the Ministry and the Fisheries Commission.
She stated that the project is more than a regulatory milestone, saying it represents a symbol of innovation, opportunity, research, and skills development.
The Minister said the project marks the beginning of a new frontier for Ghana’s fisheries sector, one that has the potential to create jobs, build technical expertise, attract investment, strengthen food security and reduce pressure on wild fish stocks.
She said the project would introduce the culture of high-value marine species, including Cobia, Red Snapper, and Pompano, under a carefully regulated framework that prioritises environmental protection, biosecurity, scientific oversight, and compliance with national laws and international standards.
She commended Gold Coast Mariculture Limited for its pioneering vision in venturing into an area previously unexplored in Ghana’s aquaculture landscape.
She also acknowledged the contributions of the Fisheries Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Ghana Maritime Authority and all partners whose collaboration made the milestone possible.
The Chief Executive Officer of Gold Coast Mariculture Limited, Mr Evans Kwadwo Danso, received the licence on behalf of his company and expressed appreciation to the Minister and the Fisheries Commission for the confidence reposed in the company.
He pledged the company’s commitment to work diligently with its team to ensure the successful delivery of the project and to uphold the standards expected by the Ministry and the Fisheries Commission.
The Provisional Licence reflects the government’s commitment to encouraging responsible private sector participation in the fisheries and aquaculture sector, while ensuring that sustainability remains central to its development agenda.
The Ministry said the project would be closely monitored to ensure its successful implementation for the benefit of Ghana and future generations.
Adwoa Koramah Anokye-Gyimah, ISD
