The Chief Justice Getrude Torkornoo has strongly advocated for Ghana to establish a comprehensive legal, regulatory, and institutional framework that promotes the responsible utilization of the Blue Economy. Emphasizing the significance of adapting to global economic changes, she highlighted the importance of implementing measures to harness the potential of the marine environment for sustainable development. These remarks were made during her speech at the 14th Maritime Law Seminar for Superior Court judges of Ghana, an event organized by the Judicial Training Institute (JTI) and supported by the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) held on July 7th, 2023.
She noted that global maritime statistics give credence to the call for the state to be deliberate in harnessing the benefits of the blue economy. “The Blue Economy refers to the exploitation of the marine environment for sustainable development. The following statistics illuminate the potential material benefits it holds: The worldwide ocean economy is valued at about US$1.5 trillion per year; 90 percent of global trade is via the sea; Three hundred and fifty (350) million jobs worldwide are linked to fisheries; By 2025, it is estimated that 34% of crude oil production will come from offshore fields; Aquaculture is the fastest-growing food sector and provides about 50% of fish for human consumption,” she said.
However, she cautioned that to efficiently address the challenges of Ghana’s Blue Economy and fully profit from it, the state must watchfully enforce the legal, regulatory, and institutional framework that governs the several sectors it encompasses. “The exciting concept of well-defining the contours of the Blue Economy provides the impetus for moving towards a better-integrated legal, regulatory, and institutional framework that supports it,” she noted.
The Deputy Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Ms. Diana Asonaba Dapaah, also said that the recently held National Blue Economy Summit in Accra attests to the state’s determination to make the most of its natural resources. “It is therefore reassuring that building and enhancing the capacity of the judges of our superior courts in maritime law remains key on the agenda of the JTI, and firmly supported by the kind and reliable support of the GSA,” she said.
The Chief Executive Officer of the GSA, Ms. Benonita Bismarck, commended the JTI as well as the Lords and Lady Justices for their unwavering interest in the seminar. “Your passionate patronage remains one of the sources of motivation for us to continually commit resources to its organization. We trust that we can continue to count on that,” she said.
From left: GSA CEO Ms. Benonita Bismarck, Deputy Minister of Transport Mr. Frederick Obeng Adom, Retired Supreme Court Justice Jones Dotse, Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, Deputy Attorney General and Minister of Justice Ms. Diana Asonaba Dapaah, JTI Director Justice Issifu Omoro Tanko Amadu, Judicial Secretary Justice Cynthia Pamela Addo.
