accra: The UN Global Compact Network Ghana, in collaboration with its partners, has launched the Ocean Centres Ghana initiative to address regional safety in the sector and promote a sustainable blue economy. This initiative aims to foster partnerships, innovation, and align efforts from the private sector, government, and communities with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly goal 14: Life Below Water.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Ocean Centres, the first of their kind, are hosted by the UN Global Compact, a leading advocate for sustainability in the private sector, and supported by the Lloyd's Register Foundation, a charity committed to a safer world. These centres will operate in Ghana, Bangladesh, Brazil, India, Indonesia, Kenya, and the Philippines.
Ms Emelia Arthur, the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, commended the institutions for their vision and commitment to promoting ocean sustainability through locally driven actions. She emphasized President Mahama's dedication to implementing a national blue economy strategy aimed at making the fisheries and aquaculture sector sustainable and resilient, providing food security and decent jobs.
Ms Arthur also highlighted the government's initiative to set up a blue economy commission and an inter-sectoral committee to draft a national blue economy strategy, with a report expected by August 4, 2025. She reiterated the Ministry's commitment to regulating and safeguarding Ghana's fisheries and aquaculture sector, which is crucial for the livelihoods and economic fabric of coastal communities.
Mr Murtala Mohammed, Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, emphasized the importance of investing in the blue economy space and the opportunities the centres would create for addressing issues in the country's oceans and coastal marine sectors. Dr Emmanuel Kofi Mbiah, Country Lead for Ocean Centres Ghana, stated that the centres would catalyse national dialogues on safe practices in various ocean-related sectors and unlock finance and investment opportunities.
Dr Tolu Lacroix, Executive Director of the UN Global Compact Network Ghana, described the Ocean Centres as a long-term initiative designed to identify and address safety and sustainability challenges in the sector.
