Ghana Moves to Harmonise Blue Economy Strategy and Sustainable Ocean Plan
The Senior Advisor to the President on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Dr. Nii Moi Thompson, has held a high-level meeting with the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Hon. Emelia Arthur, to advance efforts at harmonising Ghana’s Blue Economy Strategy (BES) and the Ghana Sustainable Ocean Plan (SOP).
The engagement forms part of ongoing government actions to strengthen policy coherence, improve coordination among key institutions, and ensure the effective implementation of the country’s ocean and blue economy agenda in line with national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals.At the meeting, Dr. Thompson proposed the immediate establishment of a Joint Technical Committee made up of representatives from the Blue Economy Secretariat and the SDGs Advisory Unit. The Committee will be tasked with aligning activities, indicators and monitoring frameworks under both policy instruments, and providing coordinated technical support to the Presidency, particularly in the lead-up to major international ocean-related engagements.
The proposed membership of the Joint Technical Committee includes:
– Ms. Eyram Agbemava, Technical Advisor, SDGs Advisory Unit, Office of the President
– Mr. Fred K. Antwi-Boadu, Coordinator and Focal Person, Blue Economy Secretariat, Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture
Prof. Berchie Asiedu, Deputy Executive Director (Technical), Fisheries Commission
– Ms. Patience Ampomah, Senior Planning Analyst, National Development Planning Commission
– Ms. Jacqueline Aheto, Assistant Director I, Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture
Hon. Emelia Arthur welcomed the proposal and expressed her full support for the formation of the Joint Technical Committee. She underscored the need for strong inter-sectoral collaboration to strengthen ocean governance, promote sustainable fisheries management and fast-track the implementation of Ghana’s blue economy priorities.
The Minister noted that harmonising the two national frameworks would improve efficiency, reduce duplication of efforts and enable Ghana to present a coherent and unified position on ocean and blue economy issues at both regional and global levels.
The initiative is seen as a major step in Ghana’s commitment to sustainable marine resource management, climate resilience, food security and inclusive economic growth, while also reinforcing the country’s leadership role in global ocean governance and sustainable development.
