The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Hon. Emelia Arthur, has inaugurated a 13-member Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) to provide strategic guidance and oversight on the establishment and management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) under the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture and the Fisheries Commission.
In her address, Hon. Emelia Arthur emphasized the crucial role of MPAs in ensuring sustainable fisheries management, conserving marine biodiversity, and improving the livelihoods of coastal communities. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to participatory and science-based approaches in managing marine resources.
The core mandate of the committee is to support the Ministry and the Fisheries Commission in policy formulation, stakeholder coordination, and technical guidance regarding the implementation and monitoring of MPAs across the country.
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are designated zones in marine and coastal environments aimed at:
- • Conserving marine biodiversity;
- • Replenishing fish stocks;
- • Supporting the resilience of coastal ecosystems and local livelihoods.
MPAs in Ghana will be managed collaboratively, with active participation from local communities, traditional authorities, and relevant stakeholders in the fisheries sector.
The newly inaugurated Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) is composed of distinguished professionals and institutional representatives with expertise in marine science, environmental planning, governance, and community engagement:
| Name | Institution | Designation |
| Dr. Evans Kwasi Arizi | University of Cape Coast | Chair, TAC |
| Esi B. Quayson | Fisheries Commission | Director (Vice Chair) |
| Emmanuel Dovlo | Fisheries Commission | Director, FSSD |
| Armah Michael | Ghana Hydrological Authority | Engineer |
| Malcolm Yensaw | Ahanta West Municipal Assembly | Development Planner |
| Peace D. Gbeckor-Koe | Environmental Protection Agency | Principal/Programme Planner |
| Ebenezer Ntsiful | Land Use & Spatial Planning Authority | Head, GIS |
| Prof. F.K.E. Nunoo | University of Ghana – Dept. of Marine & Fisheries | Member |
| Nana Jojo Solomon | Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council (GNCFC) | Member |
| Ismael Nii Adjei Browne | Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture(MoFA) | Director, RSIM |
| Abena Serwah Asante | Fisheries Commission | Deputy Director, MFMD |
| Stephen Kankam | Hen Mpoano | Deputy Director |
| Nana Kwesi Agyeman | – | Member, TAC |
The Ministry extends its appreciation to all committee members for their willingness to serve and contribute to the long-term sustainability of Ghana’s
