Ghana has taken a major step toward safeguarding its marine and coastal resources with the launch of a three-day national consultation workshop in Accra to finalise the country’s first-ever Blue Economy Strategy.
Opening the workshop on Wednesday, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, underscored the importance of balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship and cultural preservation.
“Our ocean heritage, livelihoods, and ecosystems must be developed with foresight and protected for future generations,” she stressed.
More than 260 participants, including government officials, civil society, academics, private sector representatives, and development partners, are attending the workshop to validate the strategy and shape actionable steps for implementation.
Madam Gomashie highlighted the need to protect underwater cultural heritage, promote sustainable coastal tourism, and support community-led marine conservation initiatives.
The Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Madam Emilia Arthur, described the Blue Economy as “a national vision” with the potential to drive job creation, food security, environmental protection, and innovation.
“This is not merely a technical exercise. It is a national vision,” she said, commending the collaborative work of a 16-member expert committee led by Senior Presidential Advisor Dr Valerie E. Sawyerr, with support from the African Union–InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources, the Fisheries Commission, the National Development Planning Commission, and academic partners.
The draft Blue Economy Strategy aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:
- SDG 14 (Life Below Water)
- SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)
- SDG 13 (Climate Action)
It seeks to integrate economic growth with climate resilience, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability, positioning Ghana as a leader in sustainable ocean governance in West Africa.
Stakeholders are expected to validate the strategy and align on next steps, including:
- Establishment of a Blue Economy Commission (BEC)
- Creation of a Stakeholder Forum
- Draughting of supporting legislation for parliamentary approval
By adopting the Blue Economy Strategy, Ghana aims to unlock the full potential of its marine resources while ensuring long-term benefits for its people, environment, and economy.
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