There's also an ambitious plan to leverage Ghana's marine and freshwater resources for sustainable economic growth. The Minister said this when she met with the management teams of the Ministry, the Fisheries Commission and the Premix Fuel Secretariat to share her vision and expectations and solicit their contributions.

The plan, she said, was to sustainably manage and conserve the living and natural resources of the ocean, while promoting fishing industry modernisation, blue economy innovation and sustainable fishing process amongst others for the benefits of all.

In an engagement with Mr. Fred Kwasi Antwi-Boadu, Executive Director, Fisheries Commission and the Senior Management of the Commission, she highlighted the enforcement of the registration of fishing vessels and regulation of the trawl sub-sector to reduce juvenile fish harvest.

Madam Arthur also said she would introduce safety standards for canoe construction, monitor illegal fishing practices using an Electronic Monitoring System (EMS) and stablish Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to preserve biodiversity.

She was also given detailed briefings on the Commission's challenges, which include overfishing, illegal practices like light fishing and the use of dynamite, insufficient funding and difficulties in data collection.

The Minister discussed strategies to address the concerns and reaffirmed her commitment to supporting the sector's growth by empowering stakeholders and encouraging teamwork.
She was also briefed on the performance of the sector that the sector recorded a total annual fish production of 684,114.87 metric tons in 2023 with marine fisheries recording 425,423.91 metric tons, inland fisheries getting 142,583.13 metric tons and aquaculture making 116,107.83 metric tons.

Also, in a meeting with the Premix Fuel Secretariat and other members of the Secretariat, Madam Arthur gave an assurance of her commitment to collaborate, innovate and promote teamwork.

"Let's focus on delivering sustainable results that benefit future generations. Together, we can strengthen Ghana's fisheries and aquaculture sector, making it more impactful and ensuring food security and a prosperous future for all," she stated.

Madam Emelia Arthur brings to the role a wealth of experience as a development specialist with expertise in local governance, natural resource management and gender inclusion.

Her distinguished career includes roles as a Presidential Staffer, Deputy Regional Minister, and District Chief Executive and with academic credentials from Yale University and GIMPA she is poised to blend strategic planning with inclusive development.