Ghana’s fisheries minister urges scientists to protect the ocean — MyJoyOnline
Ghana’s Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development has called on scientists and researchers to jointly develop practical solutions to protect the ocean and preserve livelihoods. Minister Emilia Arthur proposed creating a joint technical body with the Ghana Science Association to work on fish-stock assessments, climate-change adaptation and coastal resilience, MyJoyOnline reports.
Threats to the blue economy
According to Arthur, the country’s blue economy faces serious threats from illegal mining, destructive fishing methods and other environmentally harmful activities. She stressed that the government will not be able to transform the sector on its own without partnerships with scientists, researchers and coastal communities.
The minister’s address was read by Fred Antwi, coordinator of the ministry’s Blue Economy Secretariat, at the 20th biennial seminar of the Ghana Science Association. The event was jointly organized with the Africa Ocean Institute of the University of Cape Coast. Participants discussed the future of Ghana’s blue economy and drew attention to the destruction of rivers, the ocean and the coastline, including as a result of illegal mining.
Bill and scientific solutions
Arthur called on researchers to turn research findings into clear recommendations for public policy. She also advocated an approach under which fishers and coastal communities are partners of researchers, while their practical experience complements formal research.
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The minister said that a high-level joint technical committee is preparing a memorandum for the Cabinet on strengthening the management and protection of water areas. A draft Blue Economy Commission bill, prepared with funding from the United Nations Development Programme, has already been completed and technically reviewed by a 19-member intersectoral committee. The document is undergoing consultations with stakeholders before validation and submission to the Cabinet and Parliament by October 2026.
Investment in technology and data
Ghana Science Association President Selina Ama Saah said a sustainable blue economy could strengthen food security, reduce the country’s dependence on fish imports, create jobs and stimulate the development of marine technologies. She noted that artificial intelligence, smart systems and modern aquaculture technologies can increase productivity and improve resource management, but require appropriate policies, investment, infrastructure and cross-sector cooperation.
Benjamin B. Campion, executive director of the Fisheries Commission, called for sustained investment in fisheries science, stock assessments, fisheries data, ocean observation, digital technologies, climate research, aquaculture and innovations that can be directly applied in management decisions.
