Stories and facts

Established in January 2013, the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MoFAD) guides Ghana’s efforts to harness the full potential of its aquatic resources for national progress. 

Headquartered in Accra, the ministry formulates and implements policies aimed at sustainable management of fisheries and aquaculture, aligning these with broader national development frameworks such as the Coordinated Programme of Economic and Social Development Policies and the National Medium-Term Development Policy Framework. 

Its core mandate includes policy development, enforcement of fisheries regulations, promotion of aquaculture, and oversight of related agencies, notably the Fisheries Commission.

MoFAD’s work is structured around several directorates Finance and Administration, Policy Planning Monitoring and Evaluation, Human Resource Management, and Research, Statistics & Information Management each contributing to the ministry’s operational effectiveness. 

The Fisheries Commission acts as the primary implementing body, responsible for monitoring, control, surveillance, and compliance across the sector. 

Together, these entities strive to increase domestic fish production, reduce reliance on imports, create employment, and foster private sector investment in fisheries and aquaculture. 

Key initiatives include the enforcement of closed fishing seasons to protect breeding stocks and the promotion of value addition through improved post-harvest practices.

The ministry’s vision centres on transforming fisheries and aquaculture into a dynamic, sustainable economic segment that supports food security, livelihoods, and foreign exchange earnings. 

Challenges such as overfishing, illegal fishing, and the need for greater investment in aquaculture remain, but MoFAD continues to adapt policies and collaborate with stakeholders to address these issues.

By prioritising scientific research, law enforcement, and institutional capacity building, the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development plays a pivotal role in ensuring that Ghana’s aquatic resources contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development for years to come.

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