Ghana has once again demonstrated its growing leadership on the African continent as Hon. Emelia Arthur, Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, chaired the Ministerial Segment of the Sixth Ordinary Session of the African Union Specialized Technical Committee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Water and Environment (STC–ARDWE).
The high-level meeting took place from 21st to 24th October 2025 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and brought together Ministers and representatives responsible for agriculture, fisheries, rural development, and environmental sectors across AU Member States.
Ghana, which was recently elected First Vice Chair of the STC–ARDWE Bureau, assumed the role of Chair for this session in the absence of Cameroon’s Minister, who could not attend due to a national assignment. The development highlights Ghana’s increasing influence and commitment to strengthening sustainable agriculture, fisheries, ecosystem management, and climate resilience in Africa.
During the session, Minister Arthur led discussions on strategic policy priorities, progress made since the last meeting, and collaborative actions required to drive the continent’s agricultural transformation agenda.
Key presentations included updates from the Agriculture and Rural Development (ARD) and Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy (SEBE) divisions, the 5th CAADP Biennial Review Report, a summary from senior experts’ meetings held earlier in the week, and remarks from Ministers reaffirming support for new resolutions and recommendations adopted.
The AU STC–ARDWE remains central to achieving the goals of Agenda 2063, particularly in areas such as food and nutrition security, biodiversity conservation, improved water and sanitation management, and increased intra-African agricultural trade.
Ghana’s pivotal role in chairing this Ministerial Session reinforces the nation’s resolve to champion sustainable development, enhance regional cooperation, and contribute to a resilient and food-secure Africa.
