Accra, Ghana — The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening partnerships aimed at promoting sustainable fisheries management, following a high-level meeting with Sonia Kwami, Vice President of Oceana’s Ghana Office.
The meeting, held at the Ministry in Accra, formed part of a courtesy call by Ms. Kwami, whose appointment coincides with the establishment of Oceana’s first office not only in Ghana but across Africa. The milestone is expected to deepen conservation efforts and enhance policy advocacy within the region’s fisheries sector.
Discussions between the two parties focused on expanding collaboration between the Ministry and Oceana, particularly in key areas critical to the sustainability of Ghana’s marine resources. These included intensified advocacy on fisheries-related issues, strengthening policy implementation and regulatory compliance, and advancing the implementation of the Inshore Exclusion Zone (IEZ) to protect artisanal fishing livelihoods.
Other areas of cooperation explored were co-management strategies to empower local fishing communities, institutional strengthening of bodies such as Landing Beach Committees (LaBECs), and improving post-harvest handling and value addition within the fisheries value chain.
Hon. Arthur underscored the importance of strategic partnerships in addressing challenges such as illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, which continues to threaten the country’s fish stocks and the livelihoods of coastal communities. She noted that collaboration with global organizations like Oceana would help enhance transparency, accountability, and science-based decision-making in the sector.
The Minister expressed her appreciation to Oceana for its continued support and commitment to Ghana’s fisheries sector. She warmly welcomed Ms. Kwami to her new role and assured her of the Ministry’s full cooperation in advancing Oceana’s work in Ghana and across the African continent.
Ms. Kwami, on her part, reiterated Oceana’s readiness to work closely with the Ministry and other stakeholders to promote sustainable fisheries policies, protect marine ecosystems, and improve the socio-economic wellbeing of fishing communities.
The establishment of Oceana’s presence in Ghana marks a significant step toward strengthening marine conservation efforts in West Africa, at a time when countries in the region are increasingly prioritizing the blue economy as a driver of growth and sustainability.
