Accra: The United Nations Global Compact Network, with support from the Lloyds Register Foundation, has conducted its second Ocean Centres Ghana workshop, gathering stakeholders to deliberate on the safety and sustainability of the ocean. The workshop centered around the theme 'Ensuring an Effective Regulatory Framework for Safety and Sustainability in Marine Capture Fisheries.'
According to Ghana News Agency, Nana Boakye Boampong, the Ocean Centres Country Lead, emphasized that the centres serve as platforms for stakeholders to formulate workable solutions, examine regulatory frameworks, and identify gaps, while strengthening coordination among ocean stakeholders. He highlighted the importance of not only ratifying legal and regulatory instruments but also effectively implementing them to positively impact fishers through safer work conditions and better pay.
Boampong noted that activities in the ocean and seabed, such as shipping, offshore operations, and tourism, along with maritime accidents, spillages, and pollution, have raised concerns about safety and sustainability, leading to the adoption of several international instruments. He stressed the need to unite policymakers, public agencies, industry leaders, academia, and other maritime stakeholders to devise localized solutions to these issues.
Some challenges identified include the need for safety and sustainability in shipping and transport, knowledge and technological gaps in the maritime sector, and climate change issues. Boampong also pointed out the challenge of blue finance, noting insufficient financing for the sector in the African region.
Dr. Godfred Ameyaw Asiedu, the Regional Coordinator for Anglophone Africa, Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI), highlighted current sustainability measures such as legal and institutional reorganization, closed seasons, marine protected areas, marine spatial planning, and canoe registration and licensing. Other measures include electronic monitoring systems, fishing gear restrictions, ministerial directives on trawl gear use, and fisheries' co-management committees.
Dr. Asiedu addressed safety issues at sea, which include sufficient working and living space onboard vessels, maintenance of vessels, and safety equipment. Personal safety issues for crews involve using proper footwear, gloves, and adhering to safety guidelines regarding lifting weights and standing under hanging loads. Existing safety measures in Ghana's maritime sector include safety checks, inspections, training and certification of fishers, and mandatory first aid training to reduce fatalities and improve emergency responses.
He emphasized the need for constant review and updates of regulatory frameworks, capacity strengthening for regulatory institutions, institutional collaboration and partnerships, and increased enforcement and voluntary compliance.
Participants in a panel discussion acknowledged Ghana's comprehensive laws governing the ocean but pointed out that the greatest challenge lies in effective implementation. They agreed that technology and stakeholder commitment could enhance implementation efforts.
