Ghana has taken bold leadership in advancing the Blue Foods agenda, positioning aquatic foods as a cornerstone for Africa’s fight against food insecurity and climate change.
At the Our Ocean Conference 2026, Hon. Emelia Arthur, Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, delivered a powerful call for stronger political commitment and increased investment in sustainable fisheries and aquaculture across the continent. A Vision for Africa’s Blue Food Future Speaking at the High-Level African Blue Food Leadership Roundtable, Hon. Arthur underscored the transformative role of blue foods in tackling malnutrition, climate resilience, and livelihood challenges.
She emphasized that fisheries and aquaculture are not only central to Ghana’s socio-economic development but also vital to Africa’s collective food security agenda.“Blue foods are Africa’s untapped catalyst for resilience. By investing in sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, we can secure nutrition, empower communities, and safeguard our oceans for generations to come,” Hon. Arthur declared.
Ghana’s Bold Reforms and $10 Million Investment The Minister showcased Ghana’s ongoing reforms to: Strengthen fisheries governance and improve transparency. Expand aquaculture production to meet rising demand. Intensify the fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. She also announced the inauguration of Africa’s first Blue Food Innovation Hub, established in Ghana in collaboration with the World Economic Forum and the Chamber of Aquaculture Ghana.
The Hub is designed to accelerate innovation, support inland aquaculture enterprises, and mobilize at least US$10 million in private sector investment by 2032. Through its startup accelerator programme, research partnerships, and improved access to finance and technology, the initiative seeks to empower women, youth, and small-scale operators while strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of Ghana’s aquatic food systems.
Building Continental AlliancesHon. Arthur welcomed the proposal to establish an African Network of Blue Food Champions, urging nations to unite in accelerating investments, strengthening governance, and building resilient aquatic food systems. The roundtable brought together distinguished leaders including: Peter Thomson, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean Jón Erlingur Jonasson, Special Envoy for the Ocean, Iceland Keriako Tobiko of AUDA-NEPAD Hon.
Hassan Joho of Kenya Hon. Inge Zaamwani of Namibia Hon. Ahmed Saybom Kanu of Sierra Leone A Defining Moment for Africa Ghana’s leadership at the Our Ocean Conference 2026 signals a defining moment for Africa’s blue food revolution. By championing innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability,backed by a landmark $10 million investment,Hon. Arthur has positioned Ghana as a continental trailblazer in ocean governance and climate resilience.
