The new milestone comes on the backdrop of the west African nation’s enactment of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025.
by Blue Africa News
The government of Ghana has intensified its ocean conservation efforts with the launch of Oceana’s new country office, announced during a high-level meeting of the organization’s governing board in New York, United States, on September 10.
Established in 2001 and headquartered in Washington D.C, Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization, dedicated to protecting and restoring the world’s oceans on a global scale.
Speaking during the New York Meeting, Ghana’s Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to sustainable ocean governance, underscoring the central role of the fisheries sector in the nation’s economy and food security.
“Over three million Ghanaians depend directly on fishing, and fish provides 60 percent of the protein on our tables,” she said as per a statement shared by her ministry.
Ghanaian oceans, the minister said, face real threats from overfishing, illegal practices, and climate change.
“Collaboration with partners like Oceana is essential to protecting biodiversity and securing livelihoods.”
The new milestone comes on the backdrop of the west African nation’s enactment of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025, which strengthens enforcement against illegal fishing, expands the Inshore Exclusive Zone, and promotes inclusive community co-management of marine resources.
The minister highlighted strategic areas of collaboration with Oceana, including the creation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), science-based fisheries management, reducing plastic pollution, and building climate resilience in coastal communities.
Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton lauded Ghana’s leadership in marine conservation efforts, stating that protecting oceans is not only about the environment, but it is about justice, opportunity, and hope for millions of families whose livelihoods are drawn from oceans globally.
“Much is happening around the globe to protect oceans and marine habitats. Minister Arthur from Ghana is championing such efforts and deserves commendation and encouragement,” she said.
With the organization planning to roll out campaigns to strengthen fisheries management, improve seafood supply chains, protect marine habitats, and amplify the voices of artisanal fishers in policymaking, Oceana’s expansion into Ghana marks a major milestone for marine conservation in West Africa.
Ghana becomes the latest country to host an Oceana office, after Brazil, Canada, Chile, Belgium, Mexico, Peru, Philippines and the United Kingdom (UK).
Oliver Ochieng, Blue Africa News