| Projects | Advancing National Action and 30×30 Commitments for Ocean Sustainability in Ghana | Fisheries Transparency and Reform Support Program | The IEZ Enforcement & Transparency (IEZET) project |
| Duration | June 2025 – May 2026 (1 year) | TBD | March 2026 – February 2029 (3 years) |
| Partners | Implemented by: GFRA LBG, in collaboration with Hen Mpoano, A Rocha Ghana, WHRO, and with support from the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture (MoFA) and the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST) | Implemented by GFRA LBG with support from the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) | Implemented by GFRA LBG, Hen Mpoano (HM), Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF), Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture (MoFA) / Fisheries Commission (FC |
| Goal | To support the Government of Ghana in developing and endorsing a science- and community- informed National Plan of Action for Fisheries and Aquaculture and a marine protection strategy that together will define Ghana’s contribution to the 30×30 global target, reaffirm national leadership in ocean governance, and shape a coherent reform narrative ahead of the 2026 UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) in France. | Advancing key policy and governance reforms within the fisheries sector. The program works closely with government institutions, civil society organizations, and fisheries stakeholders to support the implementation of transparency measures in Ghana’s fisheries legislation. | To promote sustainable and resilient fisheries through effective enforcement, transparency, inclusive governance, and spatial protection, contributing to food security and the Blue Economy. |
| Strategic Relevance | SDGs 1 & 2 – by improving livelihoods and food systems in coastal communities. SDG 14 (Life Below Water) – through sustainable marine resource management. SDG 16 – through stronger institutions and cross-sectoral coordination. Ghana’s Blue Economy Strategy and biodiversity targets under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). | SDG 14 (Life Below Water) – through sustainable marine resource management. SDGs 1 & 2 – by improving livelihoods and food systems in coastal communities. SDG 16 – through stronger institutions and cross-sectoral coordination. | SDGs 1 & 2 – by improving livelihoods and food systems in coastal communities. SDG 14 (Life Below Water) – through sustainable marine resource management. SDG 16 – through stronger institutions and cross-sectoral coordination. Ghana’s Blue Economy Strategy and biodiversity targets under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). |
| Objectives and Activities | Support Ghana’s Engagement at UNOC 2025 to develop a marine and fisheries policy brief articulating Ghana’s reform story, aligning national messaging, supporting Ghana’s leadership in a regional ministerial side event at UNOC, and facilitating a joint West African communiqué on marine protection and fisheries reform. Develop a National Marine Protection Strategy by conducting a comprehensive review of scientific data, spatial maps, and stakeholder inputs; organizing a national technical validation workshop with key agencies; convening a national meeting with fisherfolk associations, fish traders, processors, and traditional authorities; ensuring inter-ministerial alignment; and finalizing the strategy through a two-day national dialogue, securing consensus on targets and institutional mandates. Advance a National Plan of Action for Fisheries and Aquaculture by facilitating working sessions with regulators, academia, civil society, and the private sector; convening a national conference to validate and secure ministerial endorsement; integrating marine protection tools; and disseminating the Plan and support its implementation across key actors. | strengthening oversight in the industrial fishing sector, promoting the declaration and publication of beneficial ownership of industrial trawlers, and supporting enforcement of the Inshore Exclusion Zone (IEZ) to protect small-scale fishers and coastal resources. supporting advocacy and policy dialogue aimed at addressing destructive and illegal fishing practices such as Saiko, which undermine fisheries management efforts and threaten fish stocks. Through stakeholder engagement, policy analysis, and collaboration with partners, the program seeks to promote a fisheries sector that is transparent, well-governed, and sustainably managed. | Strengthen enforcement of the expanded Inshore Exclusive Zone (IEZ) to safeguard artisanal fisheries, deter illegal fishing, and rebuild depleted fish stocks. Advance transparency and accountability in fisheries governance by operationalizing legal provisions on vessel registries, licensing, infractions, and beneficial ownership, thereby combating IUU fishing and restoring market access. Enhance institutional capacity and coordination of the Fisheries Commission, judiciary, and enforcement agencies, as well as co-management committees, for effective implementation of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025. Support the development of a National Marine Protected Area (MPA) Policy and lay the foundation for a Volta Estuary MPA (Anyanui) to reinforce IEZ enforcement and contribute to the long-term recovery of small pelagic stocks |