Ghana Declares Landmark Marine Protected Area To Revive Ocean Ecosystems
Ghana has taken a historic step in ocean conservation and fisheries management with the official declaration of the Greater Cape Three Points Marine Protected Area (GCTPMPA), covering 703.86 square kilometres.
The Marine Protected Area (MPA) was formally declared on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, by Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang in the Greater Cape Three Points area in the Western Region. The event brought together government officials, development partners, traditional authorities, and coastal community representatives.
The initiative, led by the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, is being implemented under Section 39 of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025 (Act 1146). It also contributes to Ghana’s commitment to the global 30x30 biodiversity target, which aims to protect 30 percent of the world’s ecosystems by 2030.
A Marine Protected Area is a designated section of the ocean where human activities are regulated to conserve marine ecosystems, restore biodiversity, and promote sustainable use of resources. The Greater Cape Three Points zone is widely regarded as one of Ghana’s most ecologically important marine areas, hosting critical fish breeding grounds, mangrove ecosystems, wetlands, and diverse seabed habitats.
These ecosystems, however, have faced increasing threats from overfishing, illegal fishing practices, pollution, and climate change, putting marine life and coastal livelihoods at risk.
Authorities clarified that the MPA does not impose a total ban on fishing. Instead, it operates a zoning system that balances conservation with livelihoods. Sensitive “core zones” are strictly protected to allow ecosystems to recover, while “multiple-use zones” permit regulated fishing and other economic activities.
The initiative also introduces strengthened monitoring and enforcement to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, alongside continuous scientific research to guide policy and track ecosystem recovery.
The MPA forms part of a broader national strategy to rebuild Ghana’s fisheries sector. It complements existing interventions such as the closed fishing season, the three-year moratorium, trawl gear directives, and the reclassification and registration of fishing vessels.
Unlike short-term measures, the MPA is expected to provide long-term protection for critical marine habitats, supporting sustained recovery of fish stocks and improving the resilience of the fisheries sector.
A key pillar of the initiative is its community-based approach, with coastal communities actively involved in planning and implementation. Government is expected to co-manage the protected area with local stakeholders.
Over time, the project is projected to increase fish stocks, improve incomes for fishers and processors, enhance food security, and create opportunities in eco-tourism and marine conservation.
The declaration marks a major milestone in Ghana’s blue economy agenda, signaling a shift from short-term resource exploitation to long-term sustainable ocean management.
The initiative is supported by a range of international and local partners, including Bloomberg Philanthropies, Oceans 5, the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People, UK Aid, the Government of Norway, the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation, and Hen Mpoano.
With the official launch now completed, the focus shifts to implementation, as Ghana positions itself to secure a healthier ocean and sustainable livelihoods for future generations.
Story: Emmanuel Gameli Dovia
Climate/Environmental Journalist
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