In a landmark step toward strengthening Ghana’s marine governance, Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Emelia Arthur has chaired the maiden meeting of the Blue Economy Committee (BEC) in Accra.
The high-level engagement marked a critical milestone in the journey toward establishing the Blue Economy Commission, a body that will spearhead the sustainable development of Ghana’s marine and coastal resources.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders and experts who are currently leading the formulation of the Commission. Committee members took the opportunity to brief the Minister on the progress made so far, and Emelia Arthur expressed her satisfaction with the quality of work and the commitment shown by the team.
The Commission’s roadmap will hinge on a multi-faceted implementation strategy, involving:
- Legislation & Policy Alignment Syncing national laws with international frameworks such as SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and the African Union’s Blue Economy Strategy Institutional Collaboration,
- Working closely with the Fisheries Commission, Ghana Maritime Authority, EPA, and research bodies Public-Private Partnerships (PPP),
- Mobilizing private sector investment for innovation and sustainabilityCommunity Engagement,
- Empowering fishers and coastal communities with knowledge on conservation and responsible practices Monitoring & Evaluation,
- Deploying data-driven systems to assess fish stock health and the impact of policies.
Expected Outcomes
The establishment of the Blue Economy Commission is expected to yield transformative outcomes:
- Enhanced fisheries governance and marine resource sustainability
- Replenished fish stocks and economic upliftment for fishing communities
- Increased contribution of the blue economy to Ghana’s GDP
- Improved climate resilience of the fisheries sector
- Significant reduction in illegal fishing activities and environmental damag
Government’s Commitment
Hon. Emelia Arthur reaffirmed government’s dedication to a sustainable and prosperous future for Ghana’s coastal and inland waters. She praised the committee’s efforts and called for sustained collaboration moving forward.
“This initiative is a game-changer for Ghana’s fisheries and marine resources. Through strong policies, investments, and community engagement, we can transform our blue economy into a pillar of sustainable growth,” she stated.
As work continues, the Blue Economy Committee is expected to finalize the framework that will establish the Commission, which will play a pivotal role in securing the nation’s marine future balancing environmental conservation with economic prosperity.
Source : MOFAD
