Ghana’s domestic fish production has significantly declined in recent years, forcing the country to import over 79,000 metric tons of fish annually to meet local demand.
by Blue Africa News
Ghana’s cabinet has approved the establishment of the country’s first-ever Marine Protected Area (MPA), within the Greater Cape Three Points Area in the Western region in 2026, opening a new chapter in the country’s commitment to responsible stewardship of marine resources.
A Marine Protected Area is a section of the ocean where a government has placed limits on human activity, with many MPAs across the world allowing locals to utilise the areas in ways that do not exploit the environment.
Emelia Arthur, the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture during a press address on October 20, 2025, disclosed that cabinet granted approval for the MPA on October 7, 2025, reinforcing the government’s dedication to protecting the nation’s ocean ecosystem while ensuring that Ghanaian coastal communities continue to thrive.
“The introduction of the MPA aligns with international best practices and aims to support fish stock recovery, ecosystem resilience, and sustainable fisheries development,” said the minister.
Ghana’s domestic fish production, she said, has significantly declined in recent years, forcing the country to import over 79,000 metric tons of fish annually to meet local demand, warning that the depletion of marine resources could further threaten livelihoods and food security in coastal areas.
The minister outlined the roadmap for implementing the MPA, putting emphasis on stakeholder engagement, scientific monitoring and community involvement as central pillars of the process, besides urging all stakeholders to collaborate with the government to ensure the successful implementation of the transformative initiative.
Misornu Yaw Logo, a fisheries and aquaculture expert, welcomed the initiative, saying Ghana’s MPA can provide a safe haven for marine biodiversity to thrive, ultimately benefiting fishers, communities and the economy.
“For instance, it could serve as a fertile ground for small pelagics such as Sardinella to rebuild its stocks after losing nearly 80% of its population to overfishing and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in the last 20 years,” he wrote in a recent LinkedIn post.
“Also, Ghana’s approach to engaging local communities in MPA management and implementation can foster a sense of ownership and responsibility driving effective management in the immediate, medium to long-term. Furthermore, Ghana’s MPAs can enhance local economic development and provide alternative livelihoods for communities dependent on fishing.”
He however warned that the absence of a dedicated financial support and technical capacity, could hinder effective management and enforcement of rules around the MPA.
“Without genuine community engagement and buy-in, the MPA may face resistance and lack of cooperation. Poorly designed or enforced regulations can render MPAs ineffective in protecting marine resources,” stated the expert.
With over 40 MPAs, South Africa can be used as a case study in Africa as far as bolstering underwater habitats against the effects of global climate change, that may be caused by human activities, is concerned.
As of 2020, South Africa had 42 MPAs covering 5% of the country’s national coastal waters. The number was just 0.43% prior to 2016.
Oliver Ochieng, Blue Africa News