Ghana has presented a comprehensive Ghana–China Fisheries Partnership Framework aimed at transforming its fisheries and aquaculture sector through investment, technology transfer, and sustainable resource management, as part of high-level bilateral engagements in Beijing.
The framework was unveiled during a meeting between Ghana’s Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur (MP), and Han Jun, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, whose portfolio includes fisheries and aquaculture. The engagement sought to deepen cooperation between the two countries in support of food security, job creation, and the growth of a sustainable blue economy.
Presenting the framework, the Ministry outlined Ghana’s vision for a resilient, investment-ready and environmentally responsible fisheries sector, positioning aquaculture as the primary driver of future growth amid declining marine stocks. Emelia Arthur stressed that fish accounts for over 60 percent of Ghana’s animal protein intake and supports millions of livelihoods, making the sector central to national development and economic transformation.
The Minister highlighted Ghana’s strategic advantages to potential Chinese partners, including political stability, strong rule of law, an investor-friendly environment, and allowance for full foreign ownership. With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat headquartered in Accra, Ghana offers access to a 1.3 billion-consumer African market, in addition to the ECOWAS sub-region. Particular emphasis was placed on Lake Volta, the world’s largest artificial lake, which is currently underutilized and presents significant opportunities for large-scale aquaculture, especially tilapia production.
Data presented to the Chinese delegation showed that Ghana faces an annual fish supply deficit of nearly 590,000 metric tonnes, valued between US$600 million and US$800 million, underscoring the urgency of aquaculture expansion. The Ministry set out a national aquaculture production target of 177,000 metric tonnes by 2027, while identifying priority investment areas across the value chain, including fish feed manufacturing, SPF hatcheries, cold storage, and modern processing facilities.
The framework also proposed flagship projects for collaboration, including the development of six priority fishing ports, with Shama in the Western Region highlighted as a lead project, as well as a US$12 million Ghana National Aquaculture Centre seeking a strategic Chinese partner. Biosecurity and human capital development featured prominently, with Ghana seeking Chinese support in tackling aquatic diseases, particularly ISKNV, alongside training and scholarship programmes for fisheries professionals.
The Minister also called for the formalization of cooperation through a Ghana–China Fisheries Memorandum of Understanding, anchored by joint investment roadmaps and technology transfer mechanisms. She described the partnership framework as a long-term blueprint that combines China’s advanced aquaculture expertise with Ghana’s natural resources and regional market access, laying the foundation for a sustainable fisheries partnership designed to endure for generations.
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