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The French Embassy, in collaboration with the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), has held a conference to protect the marine and fisheries industry.
It was aimed at highlighting the links between fisheries, food security, and regional stability in the Gulf of Guinea and beyond, and also identifying scientific, technological, and policy pathways for sustainable fisheries management.
The conference, which was held at the centre last Wednesday (October 1, 2025), was attended by over 30 Naval Officers and agents from France, Ghana and other parts of Africa.
It was on the theme: “Fisheries and Stability, a global issue”.
The conference focused on sharing international, regional and local visions on the preservation of natural resources in the Gulf of Guinea and optimising coordination to fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, among others.
Among the dignitaries who attended were the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur; the Chargé d’Affaires at the French Embassy, Rafaël Pont; the Deputy Commandant of the KAIPTC, Brigadier General Zibrim Bawah Ayorrogo, and other members of the diplomatic corps.
Speaking at the conference, Mr Pont said the annual maritime academy conference known as SIREN was instituted by the French Navy four years ago in close coordination with the countries of the Gulf of Guinea.
He said the conference affirmed the commitment of the French government to provide strong support to promote regional and international cooperation in combating IUU fishing and strengthen collaboration between law enforcement, fisheries authorities, and development partners for integrated maritime security and resource management.
The Charge d'Affaires added that the partnership was based on a shared conviction, indicating that global security was not limited to weapons and borders, but also depended on the world’s ability to sustainably manage the vital resources on which societies depended on such as the fisheries.
“Fishery resources are essential; they provide the livelihoods of millions of people, support entire economies, and guarantee food security.
At the same time, these resources are also a source of vulnerabilities, tensions, and sometimes conflicts due to overexploitation, illegal fishing, and the effects of climate change,” he said.
In her address, the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, said the West African region faced a complex set of challenges, including overfishing, IUU fishing, marine pollution and the growing impacts of climate change.
“IUU fishing accounts for 30 to 40 per cent of total catches in the sub-region, translating into annual economic losses of over $2.3 billion. These losses deprive the government of much-needed revenue, undermine artisanal livelihoods, and in some cases, fuel piracy and organised crime and other ecological challenges,” she said.
In response, she said, the government had taken bold steps to modernise and strengthen governance in the fisheries sector.
“Government has enacted the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025 (Act 1146), which provides a modern legal framework to promote sustainable practices. In addition to the Fisheries (Port State Measures) Regulations, 2024 (L.I. 2490), these legal frameworks demonstrate Ghana’s commitment to sustainable fishing practices and combating IUU fishing in line with our international obligations,” she stated.
Mrs Arthur emphasised that the deliberations should not only highlight the challenges but also chart actionable pathways that link sustainable fisheries to food security, economic prosperity, and regional stability.
Brig. General Ayorrogo expressed belief that the dialogue and partnership at the conference was the surest way to create a formidable foundation for sustainable peace and security.
He expressed his gratitude to the French Embassy and the French Navy for their decisive role in the organisation and conduct of the conference.
The Deputy Commandant stressed that their unwavering support and commitment underscored the importance of international cooperation in strengthening regional security and promoting lasting peace.
