The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mrs Emelia Arthur, has stated the government’s commitment to participatory and evidence-based fisheries management, with a focus on integrating indigenous knowledge into modern governance systems.
She said this during the presentation of findings from a research study under the SANKOFA Project on Tuesday in Accra.
The study, titled ‘Creating Synergies Between Indigenous Practices and Scientific Knowledge’, examined how traditional fishing practices and scientific approaches can be combined to protect Ghana’s marine resources, using the fishing closed season as a reference.
The research links the decline in fish stocks to illegal fishing methods, the increasing number of fishing canoes, industrial trawling of juvenile fish, and the gradual abandonment of traditional conservation practices.
It recommends closer alignment between indigenous conservation practices and formal fisheries management, stronger enforcement against illegal fishing, and a review of the closed season to May or June to reflect natural fish breeding cycles.
The study also calls for improved and inclusive communication of fisheries policies and the sustained observance of traditional practices, including the Tuesday fishing holiday.
The findings highlight the economic pressure the closed season places on fishing communities, particularly women fish processors, fish traders, and canoe crew members. Despite these challenges, many fisherfolk expressed support for the closed season in principle, especially when it reflects ecological conditions and cultural norms.
The Minister said ongoing collaboration with fishing communities and district assemblies remains central to government efforts. She described the SANKOFA Project as a foundation for shaping policy, protecting livelihoods, and strengthening community resilience.
The study is expected to inform future fisheries policies, deepen community participation, and support sustainable livelihoods while safeguarding Ghana’s marine ecosystem.
Irene Wirekoaa Osei, ISD
