The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture (MoFA) has inaugurated its Ministerial Advisory Board (MAB), marking a significant step toward strengthening policy coherence, accountability, and effective service delivery in Ghana’s fisheries and aquaculture sector.
The inauguration ceremony was held today Thursday, January 8, 2026, at the Minister’s Conference Room in Accra, in line with Sections 39, 40, and 41 of the Civil Service Act, 1994 (PNDCL 327).
Speaking at the ceremony, the Hon. Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Emelia Arthur, described the establishment of the Advisory Board as both a statutory obligation and a strategic governance intervention aimed at improving decision-making and deepening stakeholder engagement within the sector.
“The Ministerial Advisory Board is mandated to provide strategic guidance to shape and refine the Ministry’s policies, plans, and operations.
Its advisory role on policy direction, planning objectives, and operational strategies is critical to addressing the complex challenges facing the fisheries and aquaculture sector,” the Minister stated.
Composition of the Ministerial Advisory Board
The Minister announced the membership of the Advisory Board, which brings together distinguished experts from academia, government institutions, regulatory bodies, and industry associations. Members of the Board include:
Prof. Francis K. E. Nunoo, Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences, University of Ghana
Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali, Director-General, Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA)
Mr. Jacob Doe Adzikah, Chief Executive Officer, Chamber of Aquaculture Ghana
Nana Jojo Solomon, President, National Fisheries Association of Ghana
Major General Paul Seidu Tanye Kulono, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Tema
Prof. Lord Mensah, Local Government Services, Accra
Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Accra
The Hon. Minister serves as Chairperson of the Board, supported by the Chief Director of the Ministry, in accordance with the Civil Service Act.
Strengthening Sector Governance
The Minister emphasized that the diversity of expertise represented on the Board will enhance evidence-based policymaking, environmental compliance, maritime safety, effective decentralised implementation, and the protection of fisherfolk livelihoods.
Representatives from research institutions will provide analytical support, while regulatory and maritime agencies will contribute expertise in environmental protection, navigation, logistics, and fisheries development.
Industry and fisheries association representatives are expected to ensure that the concerns and welfare of fisherfolk and aquaculture operators are fully reflected in policy deliberations.
She congratulated the members on their appointment and urged them to discharge their duties with professionalism, integrity, and a strong sense of national responsibility, assuring them of the Ministry’s full cooperation.
The inauguration of the Ministerial Advisory Board underscores MoFA’s commitment to inclusive governance and collaborative problem-solving as it works toward building a resilient, sustainable, and prosperous fisheries and aquaculture sector to support Ghana’s socio-economic development.
