Ghana is seeking to harness the potential of its ocean resources to boost the economy and create sustainable jobs through a comprehensive Sustainable Ocean Plan, part of the broader Blue Economy initiative. The plan aims to unlock opportunities in sectors such as tourism, mining, marine culture and recreation among others, offering the country a significant source of revenue when properly managed.
Efforts are underway to finalize the plan, with a national consultation held earlier this week involving key stakeholders from various institutions and coastal regions. This three-day consultation gathered insights and recommendations that will contribute to drafting the Sustainable Ocean Plan, set to be launched in November.
Currently, Ghana’s ocean is largely underutilized, known primarily for fishing and shipping, while many other economic activities remain unexplored. At the same time, the ocean is facing pollution and degradation due to human activities. The goal of the Sustainable Ocean Plan is to identify sustainable methods to expand ocean-based industries while protecting the health of the marine ecosystem.
The consultations focused on six main thematic areas: Ocean Wealth, Ocean Health, Ocean Knowledge, Maritime Security, Ocean Finance, and Ocean Equity. Participants discussed issues, opportunities, and strategies to build a robust plan that would enable Ghana to fully develop its Blue Economy.
A recurring theme was the need to raise awareness about the untapped potential of the ocean and to engage coastal communities, ensuring their support for the plan’s implementation.
Dr. Felix Addo-Yobo, Special Advisor to the President on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), stressed the importance of collective action to restore the ocean’s health and transform it into a key economic asset. Professor Kwasi Appeaning-Addo, the Technical Advisor for the Sustainable Ocean Plan, called the Blue Economy a “game changer” for Ghana if it is effectively harnessed. He expressed optimism that the Sustainable Ocean Plan would be completed by year’s end, enabling the country to capitalize on its ocean resources.
