Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing sustainable fisheries and aquaculture across Africa, positioning aquatic foods as a critical solution to food insecurity, climate change and economic development on the continent.
Speaking at the high-level African Blue Food Leadership roundtable during the Our Ocean Conference 2026, the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Hon Emelia Arthur, called for stronger political commitment and increased investment in the blue foods sector to unlock its full potential for Africa’s future.
Addressing delegates and policymakers, the Minister highlighted the transformative role that fisheries and aquaculture can play in improving nutrition, enhancing climate resilience and creating sustainable livelihoods for millions of Africans.
”Blue foods are Africa’s untapped catalyst for resilience. By investing in sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, we can secure nutrition, empower communities and safeguard our oceans for generations to come,” she stated.
Hon Arthur noted that fisheries and aquaculture remain central to Ghana’s socio-economic development and are increasingly important to the continent’s broader food security agenda.
The Minister outlined a series of reforms being undertaken by Ghana to strengthen the sector, including measures to improve fisheries governance and transparency, expand aquaculture production to meet growing demand, and intensify efforts to combat Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.
A major highlight of Ghana’s participation at the conference was the announcement of the inauguration of Africa’s first Blue Food Innovation Hub, established in partnership with the World Economic Forum and the Chamber of Aquaculture Ghana.
The pioneering initiative is expected to drive innovation within the aquatic food sector, support inland aquaculture enterprises and mobilise at least US$10 million in private sector investment by 2032.
According to the Minister, the Hub will operate through startup accelerator programmes, research partnerships and improved access to finance and technology. The initiative is also designed to empower women, young entrepreneurs and small-scale operators while enhancing the resilience and competitiveness of Ghana’s aquatic food systems.
Hon Arthur further welcomed a proposal to establish an African Network of Blue Food Champions, describing it as an important platform for strengthening collaboration among African nations. She urged governments, development partners and investors to work together to accelerate investments, improve governance and build resilient aquatic food systems across the continent.
The roundtable convened several prominent international and African leaders, including Peter Thomson, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean; Jón Erlingur Jónasson, Iceland’s Special Envoy for the Ocean; Keriako Tobiko of AUDA-NEPAD; Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, Hon. Hassan Joho; Namibia’s Hon. Inge Zaamwani; and Sierra Leone’s Hon. Ahmed Saybom Kanu.
Ghana’s leadership at the Our Ocean Conference 2026 marks a significant milestone in Africa’s emerging blue food revolution. Through its emphasis on innovation, sustainability and inclusion, coupled with a landmark investment mobilisation target, Ghana is positioning itself as a continental leader in ocean governance, food security and climate resilience.
The country’s efforts are expected to serve as a model for other African nations seeking to harness the economic and nutritional benefits of sustainable aquatic food systems while protecting marine and freshwater ecosystems for future generations.
