Ghana Industrial Trawlers Association (GITA)
Overview
The Ghana Industrial Trawlers Association (GITA) is a corporate body registered in 2008 with the Registrar General’s Department as a company limited by guarantee. Non-partisan and not-for-profit, GITA is dedicated to empowering stakeholders in the trawl fishing industry in Ghana, adapting proactively to changing sector needs.
- Executive Team: 11-member executives, supported by a Secretariat with four full-time staff and three expert consultants (legal and fisheries).
- Membership: 23 current subscribers.
- Role: Acts as the voice of trawl license owners, serving as a liaison between government and industry stakeholders.
- Annual Catch: Nearly 20,000 metric tons.
Objectives
- Defend and promote the rights of members involved in lawful fishing activities and fish trade.
- Champion ethical practices and good corporate citizenship in the fisheries sub-sector.
Operations
GITA members participate in a range of sector activities:
- Industrial-scale trawl fishing
- Export and import of fish
- Processing and storage
- Local and international marketing
- Supply and support services for trawl vessels
Core Functions
- Representation & Advocacy: Protecting the collective and individual interests of members.
- Unification: Bringing Ghana’s trawler operators under one cohesive framework.
- Policy Engagement: Creating platforms for discussions on marine resource sustainability and food security.
- Government Relations: Advocating for supportive policies and research-backed regulations.
- Capacity Building: Offering training and professional development across the sector.
Mission
GITA’s mission is to educate, protect, and support its members by:
- Encouraging compliance with fisheries regulations.
- Providing legal and logistical support, especially during vessel arrests or detentions.
Exports & Investment
- Export of over 28 species, including redfish, groupers, cuttlefish, cassava fish, and barracudas.
- Focus on processed, value-added products meeting international standards.
- Open to partnerships with investors from Europe, America, Asia, and Africa.
Technical Expertise
Members possess high-level technical skills in:
- Sailing and vessel operations
- Gear maintenance and repairs
- Fish exports and industry-specific administration
- Familiarity with cutting-edge technologies and global best practices
🤝 Collaborations
GITA maintains strong relationships with:
- Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MOFAD)
- Fisheries Commission (FC)
- National fisheries associations such as:
- NAFAG
- NAFTAG
- GTA
- GIFA
- GNCFC
- NICFC
These partnerships support strategic alignment and sustainable development across Ghana’s marine sector.