Conflicts in the Artisanal Fishing Industry of Ghana: Reactions of Fishers to Regulatory Measures

Abstract

Ghana, a coastal West African country, is heavily dependent on fish as a source of dietary protein. Its small-scale fishing industry supplies about 70% of total marine fish landed locally, targeting small pelagic species. High demand for fish, the open-access nature of the fishery, excess fishing effort, climate change, and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing have led to a steep decline in landings. An initial top-down fisheries management approach, coupled with a lack of political will to enforce fisheries regulations and poor fisheries regulation enforcement, left fishers feeling disenfranchised. They felt discriminated against, left out, and marginalized at various levels of the decision-making process. This sense of exclusion has led to conflicts between small-scale fishers and other fisheries sectors, as well as with state regulatory agencies over the years. To address these challenges, the government of Ghana recently adopted a collaborative co-management approach in fisheries that recognizes and promotes participation from all stakeholders in the fisheries sector. Closed fishing seasons  for both the artisanal and industrial fishing sectors were successfully implemented 2019 and 2021, with full compliance by fishers. These recent interventions have led to greater support for fisheries regulations and greater consensus building in stakeholder consultations. This chapter looks at the nature of Ghana’s small-scale fisheries, conflicts, (in)justice, fisheries management processes, and recent efforts at a more participatory approach. It also gives suggestions for improvement and sustainability of co-management processes.