Ghana declares first-ever Marine Protected Area at Greater Cape Three Points

Ghana has marked a major milestone in environmental protection with the official designation of the Greater Cape Three Points Area as the country’s first Marine Protected Area (MPA).

The announcement was made on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at a ceremony in Busua in the Western Region, led by Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang.

Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, described the development as a turning point in Ghana’s fisheries and environmental management.

“Today, we do not merely gather; we make history,” she said. “This moment will be remembered as the day Ghana took a bold and irreversible step to protect her oceans, restore her fisheries, and secure the future of her coastal communities.”

The Greater Cape Three Points Area is known for its rich marine biodiversity and its importance to local fishing communities, but it has faced mounting challenges, including overfishing and habitat destruction.

According to the Minister, the MPA designation signals a new direction in Ghana’s marine governance, with a stronger focus on sustainability and long-term conservation.

She noted that the achievement was the result of broad collaboration involving government institutions, academia, civil society groups, fisheries stakeholders, and development partners. She highlighted the role of Hen Mpoano for its technical expertise and community engagement throughout the process.

“Their work has been instrumental in bridging science, policy, and local knowledge,” she said.

The Minister also praised the Technical Advisory Committee for ensuring the process was guided by scientific research and aligned with international standards.

The establishment of the Marine Protected Area is expected to aid the recovery of fish stocks, restore damaged ecosystems, and strengthen the resilience of coastal communities.

It also forms part of Ghana’s broader blue economy strategy, which seeks to balance economic growth from ocean resources with environmental protection.

Describing the initiative as more than a conservation effort, Ms Arthur said it represents “the beginning of a new social contract between people and the sea.”

“This is not an end—it is a beginning,” she added. “The beginning of a network, the beginning of restoration, and the beginning of a future where conservation and prosperity go hand in hand.”

The move places Ghana among countries adopting Marine Protected Areas as a key tool for sustainable fisheries management, with plans to expand similar initiatives across the country in the coming years.

The event brought together government officials, Members of Parliament, traditional leaders, and key stakeholders, reflecting a unified national commitment to preserving Ghana’s marine resources for future generations.