Accra: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has rallied Ghanaians to take bold and collective action to protect the country's marine environment, describing the ocean as 'a lifeline under threat.'
According to Ghana News Agency, the Authority wants individuals to halt actions including open defecation along beach sites, sand weaning, dumping of refuse along beaches, and use of unapproved methods in fishing. Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of EPA, emphasized this call to action on Friday during an event in Accra to mark this year's World Oceans Day.
The event was themed globally as 'Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us,' while Ghana's theme for 2025 was announced as 'Preserving Our Oceans, Protecting Our Future.' As part of the event, an art competition was organized for selected Senior High Schools in the Greater Accra Region, with La Presec SHS taking first place, followed by Nunguah SHS, Holy Trinity SHS, and Saint Mary's in subsequent positions.
Prof. Klutse highlighted the ocean's critical role in sustaining life, from producing oxygen and regulating the climate to supporting livelihoods and food systems. She stressed that the degradation of oceans is a development challenge, a public health issue, and a threat to food security and human rights.
She also discussed policies such as the National Plastics Management Policy, aimed at promoting a circular economy, improving plastic waste management, and reducing pollution through partnerships with local governments and the private sector. Another significant initiative is the West Africa Coastal Areas Resilience Investment Project Phase Two, which seeks to restore degraded coastal ecosystems, including the Korle Lagoon in Accra, the Densu Delta, and the Keta Lagoon Ramsar Site.
According to Prof. Klutse, these ecosystems are rich in biodiversity and serve as natural buffers against coastal hazards, making their protection crucial for the survival of coastal communities. Madam Esi Nerquaye-Tetteh, Deputy Executive Director/Technical Services, added that long-term ocean protection depends on public education and community engagement.
Madam Nerquaye-Tetteh noted that the Authority has commenced ocean literacy campaigns, coastal school outreach programmes, and youth-led clean-up drives in collaboration with non-governmental organizations, traditional authorities, and local assemblies. She emphasized that sustainable change begins with informed citizens and that communities must not only participate but also champion conservation efforts.
