Ghana has issued its first-ever provisional mariculture licence to Gold Coast Mariculture Limited, paving the way for the commercial cultivation of high-value marine fish species as part of efforts to diversify the country’s blue economy, strengthen food security and reduce pressure on wild fish stocks.
The licence, presented on May 12, 2026, by the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, on behalf of the Ministry and the Fisheries Commission, authorises the company to undertake what will become Ghana’s first mariculture project involving species such as Cobia, Red Snapper and Pompano under a “carefully regulated framework” focused on sustainability, environmental protection and biosecurity.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony at the Ministry, Hon. Arthur described the initiative as “more than a licence,” indicating that it represents innovation, research, skills development and new investment opportunities within Ghana’s fisheries and aquaculture sector.
According to the Minister, the project marks “a new frontier” that could create jobs, build technical expertise and expand responsible aquaculture production while ensuring compliance with national laws and international standards.
She commended Gold Coast Mariculture Limited for its “pioneering vision” and acknowledged the support of the Fisheries Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Ghana Maritime Authority and other stakeholders whose collaboration contributed to the project’s approval.
Receiving the licence, the Chief Executive Officer of Gold Coast Mariculture Limited, Evans Kwadwzo Danso, expressed appreciation to the Ministry and pledged the company’s commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of the project.
He said the company would work diligently with its operational and technical teams to deliver a project that would make the Ministry and Fisheries Commission proud.
The Ministry noted that the provisional licence reflects the government’s commitment to encouraging “responsible private sector participation” while ensuring sustainability remains central to the country’s fisheries development agenda.
It further assured that the project would be closely monitored to ensure successful implementation and long-term benefits for Ghana’s economy and future generations.
