The FiTI International Board recognised Ghana’s initial efforts in implementing the FiTI Standard by awarding it the official status of a FiTI Implemeting Country, demonstrating the significant steps that the country’s national authorities have taken to establish an enabling environment for fisheries transparency and stakeholder collaboration.

The International Board expressed its satisfaction, in particular, with the content of the application, which not only demonstrated compliance with all the steps required by the FiTI Standard (Section C), but also showed that the entire process was conducted within the agreed timelines and in a professional, participatory, and inclusive manner.

Furthermore, the Board noted the initial progress made in publishing fisheries data online through a new Fisheries Information System (FIS), embedded into MoFA’s website, which comes three years after the FiTI conducted its TAKING STOCK transparency assessment on Ghana. At the time, the assessment found that while certain information was published by Ghana’s national authorities, the majority of what is required for open and inclusive fisheries management remained inaccessible.

The completion of this important milestone lays the foundations for Ghana to start benefiting from a transparent and inclusive fishing sector by demonstrating adherence to the FiTI Standard’s transparency requirements.

The next key step in the FiTI process is the publication of the country’s first FiTI Report, in accordance with section D.1 of the FiTI Standard. For this, Ghana’s National Multi-Stakeholder Group – in collaboration with the FiTI International Secretariat – must publish the report within one year of becoming a FiTI Implementing Country, i.e. by August 2027 (containing information relating to the 2026 calendar year). Afterwards, subsequent FiTI Reports must be published on an annual basis, until Ghana reaches the status of Compliance Eligibility (in accordance with section H.1 of the FiTI Standard).

The International Board extends its congratulations to the leadership team of the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture (MoFA), Ghana’s National Focal Point – Mr. Danny Mohammed – as well as the members of Ghana’s National Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG), and all those who have been involved in this process. The International Board is confident that the decision to join and implement the FiTI will strengthen the measures Ghana is already taking to improve the management of its marine fisheries resources.

Information regarding the official acceptance letter of Ghana as a FiTI Implementing Country and the country’s application can be found here.Source:Tyler Owens-Plum