Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing continues to threaten Ghana’s marine resources, food security, and the livelihoods of millions of coastal people. Effective enforcement of fisheries laws is therefore essential in safeguarding the sector. Friends of the Nation (FoN) has been working to build the capacity of Ghana’s law enforcement agencies to combat IUU fishing more effectively.
Building a Core Enforcement Team
FoN establishes core team of trained Marine Police Officers who serve as facilitators and knowledge brokers within the security and regulatory system. These officers share their expertise with colleagues from the:
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Fisheries Enforcement Unit (FEU)
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Ghana Navy
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Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS) Unit of the Fisheries Commission
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Coastal Police Commands
This collaborative approach ensures that enforcement efforts are coordinated and responsive across agencies.
Training and Joint Field Exercises
The capacity-building programme covered both theoretical and practical aspects of fisheries law enforcement. Training sessions focused on:
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Ghana’s fisheries laws and ecological justifications for compliance
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Compliance strategies and enforcement techniques
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Surveillance methods and monitoring tools
Beyond classroom learning, FoN facilitated joint field exercises that improved officers’ hands-on skills in vessel boarding strategies, beach combing, and other operational techniques. These exercises equipped officers with practical experience needed to act decisively against IUU fishing at sea and onshore.
Expanding Impact
The presence of focal officers within the Marine Police has created a multiplier effect, ensuring that the skills and knowledge gained are shared widely among peers in different agencies. This has significantly boosted the overall capacity of law enforcement institutions to monitor, deter, and prosecute IUU fishing activities.
Our Commitment
Strengthening law enforcement remains a cornerstone of FoN’s work in fisheries governance. By enhancing the skills and collaboration of the Marine Police and partner agencies, we are helping to secure Ghana’s fisheries resources, protect marine biodiversity, and sustain the livelihoods of coastal communities.