The University of Ghana School of Law, in collaboration with the Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences and the Norway Centre for the Law of the Sea, briefed the Minister on a four-year ocean governance programme, as the initiative enters a final six-month extension before closing out.
In the meeting, Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Emelia Arthur was updated on the Oceans Governance, Research and Development Project funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation, launched in 2022 and concluded in 2025.
The initiative seeks to ensure the sustainable management of Ghana’s marine resources in line with international best practices by bridging the gap between academia and policymaking.
The Project lead, Mr Francis Nunoo, briefed the Minister on substantive policy gains, including the team’s contributions to the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025 (Act 1146) and active input into ongoing WTO negotiations on fisheries subsidies.
The team attributed the development of stronger governance frameworks in Ghana’s fisheries sector to roundtable dialogues and stakeholder consultations.
Madam Arthur expressed satisfaction with the progress, saying the initiative aligns with the government’s agenda for sustainable fisheries and a resilient blue economy.
She directed the team to strengthen ties with the Ministry’s Blue Economy Unit to sharpen stakeholder engagement and translate policy outcomes into implementation.
The Minister also reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to sound ocean governance and the rule of law at sea, framing both as foundational to national development, food security and environmental sustainability.
Adwoa Koramah Anokye-Gyimah, ISD
