The assertion that "the fisheries sector contributes significantly to global food sustainability" is well founded given the growing importance of fish as a key protein source for billions of people worldwide. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO, 2020) highlights that “fish is not only the most traded and consumed goods globally but also a critical component in addressing food security challenges (FAO, 2020; Loring et al., 2019).” This is particularly significant for coastal and island communities, where fish is a primary dietary staple and a vital economic resource. Moreover, global fisheries and aquaculture production reached a new high of 214 million tonnes in 2020, a 65% growth from 2004 (FAO, 2022), This supports the importance of the fishery sector to global development. This means that prudent measures must be put in place to achieve sustainability. The purpose of this study is to investigate the nature of power relations in the co-management of fisheries in Ghana: Experiences of fisher in Komenda Edina Eguafo Aberim (KEEA) Municipality. The main focus is to provide insights into how power dynamics influence the effectiveness of co-management structures and the collaborations between fishers and policy-makers. The study employed a qualitative research approach and a single case design. In-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observation were used to collect the data from fishers, community leaders, and fisheries officials. The study found that the delegated co-management structure designed to empower fishers and promote sustainable fisheries practices is entangled in a web of political influence. Indeed, co-management in the fishery sector is a network riddled with power imbalances. The study concludes by recommending that policymakers critically reassess the delegated co-management policy. This reassessment should employ a framework that focuses on uncovering and addressing power imbalances and structural inequalities to enhance effective co-management practices.
