Govt moves to establish Blue Economy Commission to Safeguard Marine Resources

A dedicated committee is currently working to establish Ghana's Blue Economy Commission, which will guide the sustainable use of the country's marine resources.

The proposed commission aims to promote responsible stewardship of Ghana's marine assets. Its core focus will include enforcing sustainable fishing practices and promoting eco-friendly technologies.

The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Madam Emelia Arthur who chaired the first meeting of the Blue Economy Committee in Accra expressed satisfaction with the quality of work and commitment shown by the team.

"We are laying the groundwork for an institution that will safeguard our waters for future generations. The Commission will help us balance economic growth with environmental protection,” she stated.

The Commission will strengthen Monitoring, Control and Surveillance to combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated fishing.

It will also support sustainable aquaculture as an alternative to reduce pressure on wild fish stocks, protect marine and coastal ecosystems from pollution, encourage investment in fisheries, ecotourism, marine biotechnology, and develop climate adaptation strategies for the fisheries sector.

Once established, the Commission will work to align Ghana's policies with international frameworks like SDG 14 and the African Union's Blue Economy Strategy. It will collaborate with existing agencies like the Fisheries Commission and the Ghana Maritime Authority while engaging private sector partners and local fishing communities.

"Our goal is to create a Commission that truly serves the needs of all stakeholders in Ghana's marine sector. From large commercial operations to small-scale fishers, everyone must benefit from sustainable management of our blue resources," she noted.

The Minister added that the establishment of the Blue Economy Commission is expected to enhance fisheries governance, replenish fish stocks, improve economic conditions for fishing communities and reduce illegal fishing activities.

The Committee continues its work to finalize the framework that will establish this important new body.

The Blue Economy Committee includes seven experts: Dr Kwame Mfodwo ,Consultant at AU-IBAR; Prof. Georgina Yaa Oduro from University of Cape Town Coast; Dr Felix Yobo, Director and Sustainable Ocean Focal Point at NDPC; Marian Kpakpa, Chief Director at Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture; Prof. Berchie Asiedu, Dep. Exec. Director- Technical at Fisheries Commission; Esi Border Quayson, Director of Marine at Fisheries Commission; and Fred Kwasi Antwi-Boasi, Coordinator for consultations on establishing the Blue Economy Commission.