The Ghanaian tuna becomes the second African fishery to land an MSC certification in 2026, after the Namibian hake in January.
By Blue Africa News
Ghana’s tuna industry has negotiated a significant corner, after receiving certification from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).
MSC is an internationally recognised authority that supports access to international markets, encourages sustainable fishing practices, protects marine biodiversity and safeguards coastal and small-scale fishing livelihoods, across the globe.
The certification, confirmed on March 3, 2026 when the Ghana Tuna Association (GTA) officials met with the country’s minister for fisheries and aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, is an indication that Ghana’s tuna fisheries meet global standards for environmental sustainability, responsible management, and the protection of marine resources.
Describing the achievement as a significant step forward, the Minister said the MSC certification strengthens Ghana’s commitment to responsible fisheries management and positions the country’s tuna industry competitively within the global sustainable seafood market.
Sustainable fisheries management, she explained, remains fundamental to food security, employment, foreign exchange earnings and sustenance of livelihoods of over 2.7 million Ghanaians who depend on the fishing value chain.
“We remain committed to working closely with industry players to address emerging challenges and ensure that fishing standards are maintained over time,” said the minister, explaining that the certification is a science-based award granted to fisheries that demonstrate effective stock management, minimal environmental impact, and strong governance systems.
The achievement, she noted, follows years of collaboration between industry players among them regulators and technical partners, pledging to ensure the high standards continue to define Ghana’s fisheries sector.
Prof. Benjamin Campion, the Executive Director of Ghana’s Fisheries Commission noted that the certification will make Ghanaian tuna more attractive on the international market, as global consumers increasingly demand sustainably harvested seafood.
“I urge the media and the public to support responsible fishing practices and help eliminate unsustainable activities in the sector,” said the Executive Director.
According to GTA, pole and line and purse seine are the two types of tuna fishing in Ghana. Whereas hook and line are used to harvest fish in the first category, the purse seine employs the use of recommended nets.
The common species of tuna found in Ghana are yellow fin tuna (Thunnusalbacares), skipjack tuna (Katsuwonuspelamis) and bigeye tuna (Thunnusobesus).
GTA estimates that the average tuna production by its members is 75,000 metric tons per annum. About 70% of the estimated catches are sold to the European Union (EU), 20% are sold on the local market for local consumption while the remaining 10% to neighbouring countries.
In terms of contribution to Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (DGP), the fisheries sector pumped approximately US$263.2 million to the country’s economy in 2021, as per the statistical service of Ghana.
That year, tuna exports accounted for nearly US$60 million in returns, with the European Union, Japan, and South Korea being major destinations.
However, like in several African countries, overfishing, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing has led to growing concerns about the sustainability of Ghana’s marine resources.
A World Bank report estimates that IUU fishing costs Ghana over US$50 million each year in lost revenue and depleted fish stocks, an occurrence minister Emelia says they are focused on correcting through the promotion of sustainable fishing practices.
Ghana’s tuna becomes the second African fishery to land an MSC certification in 2026. In January, the Namibian hake fishery secured its second MSC certification, reinforcing its role in meeting global demand for sustainably sourced whitefish, while safeguarding local livelihoods and marine biodiversity.
The hake is reportedly the most important fish in Namibia, playing a leading role in the fisheries sector in the country. The hake industry (comprising Merluccius capensis and M. paradoxus species) provides jobs to thousands of Namibians, including both seagoing personnel as well as those involved in onshore processing.
Oliver Ochieng, Blue Africa News