More than 1.6 million women working across Ghana’s fisheries sector are expected to benefit from a new seven-year programme designed to improve livelihoods, expand access to finance and strengthen their role in decision-making as part of efforts to transform the country’s fisheries industry.
The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, has held high-level talks with the Cerath Development Organization to discuss a strategic partnership that will implement the Empowering Women in Ghana’s Fisheries Sector initiative.
The programme, which will run from 2026 to 2032, is funded by the Co-Impact Gender Fund and will be delivered in collaboration with the Fisheries Commission.
It aims to tackle long-standing inequalities affecting women across the fisheries value chain, particularly in the post-harvest sector, where they dominate as fish processors, traders, carriers and other support workers.
Although men are largely responsible for fish harvesting, women play a central role in processing, distributing and marketing fish across coastal and inland fishing communities. Despite their contribution, many continue to face limited access to finance, inadequate institutional support, unfair working conditions and barriers to resources and opportunities.
The initiative seeks to improve economic opportunities for more than 1.6 million women by increasing financial independence, strengthening leadership and giving women a stronger voice in decision-making. It also aims to support advocacy for increased government investment in post-harvest fisheries management.
Speaking during the meeting, Ms Arthur said the programme aligns with the government’s vision of building a resilient, inclusive and sustainable blue economy.
“Our post-harvest fisheries management system must be modernised, and that begins with empowering the women who form its backbone,” she said.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to transforming the fisheries and aquaculture sector into a sustainable, highly competitive and job-creating industry that leaves no one behind.”
The minister said empowering women in fisheries goes beyond promoting gender equality, describing it as essential to strengthening the economy and improving food security.
She noted that women remain at the centre of fish processing, distribution and marketing, making their contribution vital to supporting households, sustaining local economies and maintaining food supply chains.
The programme is expected to improve access to financial resources, strengthen institutional support and create a more enabling environment for women-led businesses in the fisheries sector.
Officials believe the partnership between the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture, the Cerath Development Organization and international development partners will help reduce poverty, improve food security and strengthen the resilience of fishing communities in the face of climate-related challenges.
Stakeholders say the initiative represents a significant step towards modernising Ghana’s post-harvest fisheries system while ensuring women receive the recognition, resources and opportunities needed to thrive in a more competitive and sustainable industry.
