The Fisheries Commission partners with FAO to advance on the development of an NPOA-SSF in Ghana

The Fisheries Commission in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) held a workshop on the development and implementation of a National Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries (NPOA-SSF) from 12 to 14 May 2026. 

FAO, under the project, Enhancing equitable, climate-resilient and sustainable small-scale fisheries through the SSF Guidelines implementation is supporting Ghana to develop an NPOA-SSF. The workshop aimed to provide participants with the knowledge necessary to begin the process of developing an NPOA-SSF, including a focus on reducing inequalities and promote the inclusion of the most vulnerable groups within the subsector.

Ms. Giulia Gorelli, Small-Scale Fisheries Project Officer, FAO, noted that small-scale fisheries play a vital role in food security, employment, poverty reduction, and economic development, particularly in many coastal and inland communities around the world. She added that NPOAs-SSF are developed and implemented in a participatory and inclusive manner, with the active participation of a wide range of small-scale fisheries stakeholders, including fishers and fish workers, as well as academia, NGOs and governments.

In his opening remarks, the Eastern Regional Director of the Fisheries Commission, Mr. Richard Yeboah mentioned that the development and effective implementation of an NPOA-SSF presents a valuable opportunity for Ghana to strengthen sustainable fisheries governance, improve the livelihoods of fishers and fish workers, promote social inclusion, and align national efforts with the FAO Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries.

The workshop focused on the stages of the NPOA-SSF process including Initiation, Development and Implementation. Participants also identified challenges and opportunities in implementing the SSF Guidelines in Ghana during breakout discussions.

With regards to the NPOA-SSF process, participants familiarised themselves with Human-Rights Based Approach and the Gender Transformative Approach concepts that help anchor the NPOA-SSF process.
Mr. Alex Adu-Antwi, Head of the legal unit of the Fisheries Commission, delivered a presentation on the National legal framework of the fisheries sector. He outlined the sections that fall within the SSF Guidelines and correlates with the new legislation, Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025 (1146). 

The National task team (NTT), formed by different stakeholders representatives, and the secretariat were tasked to finalise the road map / workplan for the development of the National Plan of Action for small-scale fisheries after the workshop by June 30, 2026, which will include consultations with SSF stakeholders in different regions across the country.  


Learn more: 

• About NPOA-SSF
• Enhancing equitable, climate-resilient and sustainable small-scale fisheries through the SSF Guidelines implementation project webpage
• Ghana SSF webpage