Ghana’s tuna industry has reached a landmark achievement with its certification by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), a globally recognised standard for sustainable fishing practices.

The announcement was made on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, during a meeting between the Ghana Tuna Association and the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, at the Ministry’s offices in Accra.

Describing the milestone as a major step forward, the Minister noted that the MSC certification reinforces Ghana’s commitment to responsible fisheries management while positioning the country’s tuna industry competitively within the global sustainable seafood market.

She explained that the certification is a science-based standard awarded to fisheries that demonstrate effective stock management, minimal environmental impact, and robust governance systems.

Hon. Arthur highlighted that the achievement reflects years of collaboration among industry players, regulators, and technical partners.

Key improvements leading to certification include enhanced data collection, observer coverage, responsible Fish Aggregating Device (FAD) management, and strengthened monitoring and compliance systems.

She also commended the leadership of Pioneer Food Cannery in driving the certification process.

The Executive Director of the Fisheries Commission, Prof. Benjamin Campion, noted that MSC certification will make Ghanaian tuna more attractive to international consumers, who increasingly prefer sustainably harvested seafood.

He called on the media and the public to support responsible fishing practices and help curb unsustainable activities in the sector.