Ghana has taken a significant step toward strengthening sustainable ocean governance and unlocking the full potential of its blue economy, following a high-level meeting between the Senior Advisor to the President on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Dr. Nii Moi Thompson, and the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Hon. Emelia Arthur.
The engagement focused on advancing national efforts to harmonise Ghana’s Blue Economy Strategy (BES) and the Ghana Sustainable Ocean Plan (SOP)—two critical frameworks guiding the country’s approach to marine resource management, fisheries sustainability, climate resilience, and inclusive economic growth.
The meeting forms part of ongoing government actions to improve policy coherence, strengthen institutional coordination, and ensure effective implementation of Ghana’s ocean and blue economy agenda in alignment with national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals.
As part of the discussions, Dr. Thompson proposed the immediate establishment of a Joint Technical Committee made up of representatives from the Blue Economy Secretariat and the SDGs Advisory Unit at the Office of the President. The proposed Committee will be responsible for aligning activities, indicators, and progress-tracking mechanisms under both frameworks to support coordinated implementation.
According to Dr. Thompson, the harmonisation process will also ensure timely and well-informed policy advice to the Presidency, particularly ahead of regional and international ocean-related engagements where Ghana’s leadership and coherence are critical.
The proposed membership of the Joint Technical Committee includes:
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Ms. Eyram Agbemava, Technical Advisor, SDGs Advisory Unit (Office of the President)
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Mr. Fred K. Antwi-Boadu, Coordinator and Focal Person, Blue Economy Secretariat (MOFA)
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Prof. Berchie Asiedu, Deputy Executive Director (Technical), Fisheries Commission
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Ms. Patience Ampomah, Senior Planning Analyst, National Development Planning Commission (NDPC)
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Ms. Jacqueline Aheto, Assistant Director I, Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture
Welcoming the proposal, Hon. Emelia Arthur expressed full support for the formation of the Joint Technical Committee, describing inter-sectoral collaboration as essential to strengthening ocean governance and delivering results for coastal communities and the national economy.
She emphasised that effective coordination across institutions is key to promoting sustainable fisheries management, protecting marine ecosystems, and accelerating the implementation of Ghana’s blue economy priorities.
The Minister further noted that harmonising the Blue Economy Strategy and the Sustainable Ocean Plan will enhance efficiency, reduce duplication of efforts, and enable Ghana to present a coherent and unified national position on ocean and blue economy issues at both regional and global levels.
Policy analysts say the harmonisation initiative marks a major milestone in Ghana’s commitment to sustainable marine resource management, food security, climate adaptation, and inclusive economic growth—while reinforcing the country’s emerging leadership role in global ocean governance and sustainable development.
As pressures from climate change, overfishing, and marine pollution intensify, stakeholders believe that aligning national frameworks will be critical to ensuring that Ghana’s oceans remain a source of livelihoods, resilience, and long-term prosperity for present and future generations.
