Ghana has concluded a high-level official visit to Italy, resulting in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CIHEAM Bari under the AREA Africa Programme. The agreement was signed in Bari between Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Emelia Arthur and Dr. Biagio Di Terlizzi, Director of CIHEAM Bari.
The MoU establishes a strategic partnership aimed at advancing sustainable fisheries management, aquaculture development, research and training, and institutional capacity building. It also seeks to catalyse private sector investment and support Blue Economy initiatives.
Speaking on the agreement, the minister highlighted its focus on “strengthening institutional capacity” and promoting “aquaculture innovation,” reflecting Ghana’s commitment to modernising its fisheries sector.
Under the partnership, both countries will collaborate to improve fisheries governance, enhance fish stock recovery systems, support research and postgraduate training, encourage private sector participation, and advance climate resilience within the Blue Economy framework.
During the official visit, the Ghanaian delegation engaged with Italian maritime authorities, fisheries cooperatives, aquaculture operators, seafood processors, and training institutions across Bari, Monopoli, Tricase, Gallipoli, and Torre Suda. These engagements provided practical insights into community-led fisheries management approaches, offshore marine aquaculture systems, modern fish processing and traceability systems, as well as maritime safety and vessel monitoring technologies.
Lessons from Marine Protected Area governance and ecosystem restoration in Italy will inform Ghana’s ongoing efforts to reduce post-harvest losses, strengthen monitoring and enforcement, and promote sustainable livelihoods in coastal communities. The Ministry emphasized that the partnership advances the modernisation of the fisheries and aquaculture sector while fostering private sector-led growth within Ghana’s Blue Economy.
