Ghana and the Russian Federation have expressed a shared interest in strengthening bilateral cooperation in fisheries and aquaculture, with particular emphasis on the exchange of technical expertise, research collaboration and educational programmes.
The discussions took place when the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Ghana, Andrei Ordash, paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, on Friday, August 7, 2026.
According to the Russian Embassy in Ghana, Ambassador Ordash and the Fisheries Minister discussed areas of mutual interest aimed at supporting the development and sustainability of Ghana’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
The Minister expressed interest in strengthening the exchange of technical and professional expertise with Russia, as well as pursuing joint research and educational initiatives to build institutional capacity, promote innovation and strengthen knowledge within the sector.
The engagement comes against the backdrop of Russia’s significant role in the global fisheries industry. Russia has consistently ranked among the world’s leading producers of aquatic animal products, with its fishing industry supporting domestic food security, exports and a broader maritime economy.
According to data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Russia’s fisheries and aquaculture sector recorded more than five million tonnes of aquatic animal production in 2018, placing the country among the world’s major producers. The sector has also remained an important contributor to Russia’s food supply and seafood exports.
Russia’s position in global fisheries has given the sector increasing strategic importance, particularly as Moscow seeks to deepen economic and maritime cooperation with countries across the Global South. Its fisheries cooperation with African countries therefore presents opportunities for exchanges in areas including fisheries science, vessel management, aquaculture, processing, technology and sustainable resource management.
The Fisheries Minister underscored the importance of knowledge sharing and institutional collaboration in addressing emerging challenges, improving fisheries management and promoting the sustainable development of aquaculture.
The engagement forms part of Ghana’s broader efforts to deepen bilateral relations with the Russian Federation through practical cooperation in sectors of mutual interest.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continued engagement to identify concrete areas of collaboration that can contribute to the growth and sustainability of Ghana’s fisheries and aquaculture sector while further strengthening the longstanding relations between Ghana and Russia.
The engagement comes as Ghana advances reforms aimed at transforming the fisheries sector. Recent measures include the passage of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025 (Act 1146), the establishment of Ghana’s first Marine Protected Area at Cape Three Points, strengthened measures to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, and reforms to the distribution of premix fuel.
The reforms form part of broader efforts to improve fisheries governance, protect marine resources, safeguard marine ecosystems and secure sustainable livelihoods for fishing communities.
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