The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mrs Emelia Arthur, has engaged the Royal Norwegian Embassy on the establishment of a proposed Ocean for Development Programme.
The meeting held on Monday in Accra aimed at transforming the country’s marine and inland aquatic resources into drivers of sustainable growth and shared prosperity.
Madam Arthur noted that discussions centred on priority areas, including sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, marine ecosystem protection, research and digital innovation, blue finance, inclusion, and maritime security.
She added that the fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing featured prominently on the agenda, given its detrimental impact on Ghana’s fisheries sector and coastal livelihoods.
Mrs Arthur said both sides had agreed to advance technical engagements, including the designation of focal persons from each country and the development of a comprehensive programme framework.
She noted that the initiative would begin with an inception phase focused on planning and technical cooperation, ahead of the conclusion of a formal bilateral agreement between the two countries.
According to the Minister, the partnership would play a pivotal role in positioning Ghana’s ocean economy as a foundation for resilience and sustainable national development.
The Norwegian partners indicated that the proposed programme would be demand-driven and aligned with Ghana’s national priorities, with emphasis on institutional coordination and long-term impact.
Officials from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) presented an overview of the proposed initiative, while Ghana’s delegation outlined key priorities and expectations to guide the partnership.
Both countries reaffirmed their shared commitment to sustainable ocean governance under the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy following Norway’s formal pledge to support Ghana’s Blue Economy Strategy.
Adwoa Koramah Anokye-Gyimah, ISD
