The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MOFAD) has placed a 3-year moratorium on the entry of new canoe in Ghana’s marine sector. Statistics from MOFAD shows Ghana’s canoe fleet has increased from 8,000 in 1990 to over 12,000 in 2023. The moratorium is to help government regulate the increasing canoe fleet in a bid to prevent fisherfolks from depleting Ghana’s fish stock. It will also help government to make informed management decision concerning the welfare of small-scale fishers while safeguarding their future. Speaking at a news conference to announce the initiative, sector Minister Mavis Hawa Koomson said the moratorium will take effect from 1 October, subject to annual review. "I would like to implore all fishers and our stakeholders to commit to intensify engagements on how best to address issues of overcapacity and degradation of the environment in the artisanal sector". The issues she said must be discussed dispassionately taking into consideration the fact that they must sacrifice today to feed the future. "Together we must do all it takes to ensure profitable and sustainable management of Ghana fisheries resources. On this note, I wish to formally announce the moratorium on new artisanal canoe entrants which takes effect from 1 October 2023 to 30 September 2026", the Minister said.