The Ghana Tuna Association (GTA) has restated its focus on sustainability, stronger regulatory compliance, and enhancing the global competitiveness of Ghana tuna sector.
Marking World Tuna Day on May 2, the Association called on all stakeholders to collaborate in safeguarding tuna stocks to ensure their availability for both current and future generations.
The United Nations General Assembly officially established World Tuna Day in 2017 to promote the conservation and responsible use of tuna species worldwide.
GTA President Frank Alhoon highlighted the economic importance of tuna, describing it as a vital contributor to employment, export earnings, and national food security in Ghana.
He explained that the sector continues to sustain livelihoods in coastal areas while reinforcing Ghana’s position in the international seafood trade.
Commitment to sustainability
Alhoon reaffirmed the Association’s resolve to ensure responsible tuna resource management, stressing that long-term industry stability depends on strict sustainable fishing practices, effective regulation, and stronger collaboration among key players.
Certification milestone
The Association pointed to Ghana’s achievement of Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification for its Atlantic skipjack and yellowfin tuna fisheries as a major step forward.
According to Alhoon, the certification demonstrates adherence to internationally recognised standards for sustainable fishing practices.
Ongoing challenges
Despite these improvements, the Association noted that the sector continues to face major challenges.
These include illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, rising operational expenses, limited access to modern fishing equipment, and insufficient cold storage and processing infrastructure.
It also warned that climate change is affecting fish migration patterns and reducing stock levels, while global competition and stricter international regulations are adding further pressure.
Call for stronger collaboration
The GTA emphasised that maintaining progress will require sustained effort and closer cooperation among stakeholders.
It urged stronger coordination between government agencies, regulators, industry operators, and international partners to tackle persistent issues affecting the sector.
The Association also called for improved monitoring and enforcement systems, better access to financing for industry participants, and increased investment in technology and skills development to boost productivity.