By: Albert Derrick FIATUI (CIMAG)
The concept of a “blue economy” is becoming an increasingly important strategy for nations looking to harness their marine resources in a sustainable and responsible way.
For Ghana, a country endowed with vast marine resources along its southern coastline, this concept offers a unique opportunity to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship.
Ghana’s coastal and maritime sectors—ranging from fisheries and aquaculture to tourism and offshore oil and gas—are key to the nation’s economic development.
However, realizing the full potential of the blue economy in Ghana will require a comprehensive approach, one that not only integrates national policies but also draws on international best practices in ocean governance and sustainable resource management.
In 2023, Ghana demonstrated its commitment to the blue economy through the inaugural National Blue Economy Summit, where the “Blue Outcomes 2023 Document” was released.
This document articulates Ghana’s vision for a sustainable blue economy, emphasizing the need for collaborative partnerships across government, the private sector, and civil society to protect marine ecosystems while promoting ocean-based economic activities.
According to the document, the successful development of a blue economy in Ghana will rely on initiatives that focus on sustainable fisheries, the restoration of coastal habitats, and the development of sustainable infrastructure to support both local communities and national economic growth (United Nations Ghana, 2023).
The fisheries sector, which plays a critical role in providing food security and livelihoods for millions of Ghanaians, is a cornerstone of the country’s blue economy strategy.
However, overfishing, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and the effects of climate change threaten the sustainability of fish stocks in Ghana’s waters.
The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy of 2014 outlines measures to improve fisheries management, regulate fishing practices, and promote aquaculture as a means of alleviating pressure on wild fish stocks.
Despite these efforts, Ghana continues to face challenges related to underinvestment in aquaculture and the need for enhanced sustainable practices (MyJoyOnline, 2024).
In addition to fisheries, Ghana’s offshore oil and gas resources are critical to its blue economy. The discovery of oil in the Jubilee field in 2007 marked a transformative moment for the country’s economy, but offshore oil exploration also poses risks to marine ecosystems.
To mitigate these risks, Ghana has implemented various regulatory frameworks through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure that oil and gas exploration activities align with international environmental standards.
These frameworks are designed to minimize the ecological footprint of offshore activities, ensuring that oil and gas production does not come at the expense of marine biodiversity and coastal communities (ADF Magazine, 2022).
Ghana’s commitment to protecting its maritime environment is further reflected in the National Integrated Maritime Strategy (NIMS), a roadmap for the sustainable management of the country’s maritime domain.
The NIMS aims to address critical challenges such as piracy, illegal fishing, marine pollution, and inadequate maritime security, proposing integrated governance approaches for the effective management of marine resources by 2040.
The strategy also emphasizes the importance of a national blue economy framework that fosters collaboration across sectors and integrates the sustainable use of marine resources into national development plans (United Nations Development Programme, n.d.).
International best practices and frameworks also play an essential role in shaping Ghana’s blue economy. The United Nations, for instance, has established the Sustainable Blue Economy Finance Principles, launched in 2018, which provide a framework for financing ocean-based initiatives that promote ocean health and sustainable resource use.
These principles are aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water), which calls for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources.
By adopting these principles, Ghana is positioning itself to integrate financial mechanisms that ensure the long-term sustainability of its blue economy initiatives (United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative, 2018).
Furthermore, Ghana’s ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) underscores the country’s commitment to responsible ocean governance at both national and international levels.
This alignment with international conventions further strengthens Ghana’s blue economy by ensuring that the country adheres to global standards in managing its marine resources while contributing to international ocean governance and conservation efforts (United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, 2023).
As Ghana embarks on this journey, international models of blue economy governance and sustainable practices offer valuable lessons. By aligning with global frameworks and best practices while also tailoring policies to suit the unique context of the country, Ghana can unlock its blue economy potential.
This article delves into Ghana’s efforts toward a sustainable blue economy, highlighting the lessons it can learn from international examples, the role of national policy frameworks, and the strategies needed to overcome challenges for long-term sustainability.
Global Best Practices in Blue Economy Governance
As Ghana seeks to establish a sustainable blue economy, there are valuable lessons to be drawn from global best practices in marine resource governance, ocean sustainability, and economic integration.
Nations that have successfully implemented blue economy strategies offer frameworks and policies that align economic growth with environmental protection. By integrating these lessons into its own strategy, Ghana can ensure the long-term health of its marine ecosystems while driving economic development.
Australia: Integrated Marine and Coastal Management
Australia’s approach to sustainable ocean governance is a global model, particularly through the implementation of the Marine and Coastal Policy and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA).
These initiatives are centered around integrated management, where marine conservation and sustainable economic activities are balanced through stakeholder engagement and scientifically informed decision-making.
The GBRMPA offers a model for Ghana, where the health of marine ecosystems is directly tied to the economy, particularly in sectors like tourism and fisheries. The success of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef demonstrates the value of protecting marine ecosystems while supporting sustainable use of marine resources.
Ghana could benefit from a similar structure—setting up a national agency tasked with coordinating efforts across multiple sectors (fisheries, aquaculture, oil and gas, tourism, etc.).
By doing so, Ghana can foster collaboration between government entities, local communities, and the private sector, ensuring that sustainability is not sacrificed for short-term economic gain.
Norway: Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture
Norway has been at the forefront of sustainable fisheries management, particularly with its fisheries management policy and aquaculture industry regulations.
The country has established strict quotas for fish stocks, implemented real-time data monitoring systems, and supported eco-certification programs like the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).
These efforts have helped ensure that Norway’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors are economically viable while remaining environmentally sustainable.
For Ghana, these strategies can offer a useful guide, especially as it strives to combat overfishing and IUU fishing activities. By enforcing stricter fisheries management regulations and promoting sustainable aquaculture, Ghana can reduce pressure on wild fish stocks.
The integration of real-time monitoring, using technologies such as satellite tracking and data analytics, could support better decision-making and contribute to a more resilient fisheries sector.
Furthermore, the adoption of eco-certification schemes could position Ghanaian products as environmentally responsible in the global market, adding value to the country’s marine exports.
Kenya: Marine Spatial Planning and Ecosystem-Based Management
Kenya’s approach to managing its marine resources, particularly through the Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) framework, presents another model for Ghana.
The Kenyan government has adopted MSP as part of its integrated coastal and marine resource management policy, which helps ensure the sustainable use of marine spaces.
By identifying and zoning areas for specific uses (fisheries, tourism, shipping lanes), Kenya has been able to balance competing interests while protecting sensitive marine habitats.
For Ghana, a similar MSP framework could be established to delineate critical marine and coastal areas for protection while designating zones for various ocean-based activities.
Such planning would enhance the country’s ability to monitor the health of marine ecosystems and avoid conflicts between sectors, particularly between industrial activities like oil and gas exploration and artisanal fisheries.
Canada: Protecting Marine Biodiversity through Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
Canada’s efforts to protect marine biodiversity through the establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) serve as an essential best practice. The country’s Marine Conservation Targets aim to protect 30% of its ocean areas by 2030, recognizing that MPAs are critical for the preservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services. These areas help safeguard important habitats and species from the negative impacts of human activities.
Ghana could emulate Canada’s commitment by designating key marine areas as MPAs, particularly around sensitive ecosystems such as coral reefs, mangrove forests, and seagrass beds.
Protecting these areas would not only preserve biodiversity but also ensure the sustainability of vital services such as coastal protection, carbon sequestration, and fish stock replenishment. Establishing a network of MPAs would also help bolster Ghana’s reputation as a global leader in marine conservation.
The Role of a Blue Economy Commission in Ghana
In order to effectively implement and oversee a sustainable blue economy, Ghana must establish a national body—a Blue Economy Commission.
This commission should be tasked with coordinating efforts across various sectors, ensuring that the blue economy is fully integrated into national development plans, and providing a platform for collaboration among government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and civil society.
Such a commission should serve as the central authority for monitoring the health of marine resources, enforcing regulations, and promoting sustainable practices across the fisheries, tourism, oil and gas, and shipping sectors.
Furthermore, it could play a pivotal role in liaising with international organizations and financing bodies to ensure that Ghana’s blue economy strategies are aligned with global sustainability frameworks, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement on climate change.
A Blue Economy Commission should also facilitate the development of a comprehensive national blue economy strategy, encompassing marine spatial planning, sustainable fisheries management, habitat restoration, and climate adaptation.
This commission should ensure that policies are not only aligned with international best practices but are tailored to Ghana’s unique context, allowing the country to effectively address local challenges such as pollution, IUU fishing, and coastal erosion.
Conclusion
Ghana is at a pivotal moment in its journey toward establishing a sustainable blue economy.
By drawing lessons from global best practices in marine governance—such as Australia’s integrated marine management, Norway’s sustainable fisheries practices, Kenya’s marine spatial planning, and Canada’s MPAs—Ghana can develop a robust framework that supports both economic growth and environmental sustainability.
The establishment of a Blue Economy Commission in Ghana is essential for coordinating these efforts and ensuring the long-term success of the country’s blue economy.
With a unified, cross-sectoral approach, Ghana can harness its vast marine resources in a way that benefits future generations while protecting the health of its oceans.
References
- United Nations Ghana. (2023). Blue Outcomes 2023 Document. Retrieved from United Nations Ghana
- (2024). Fisheries and Aquaculture in Ghana: Policy Challenges and Opportunities. Retrieved from MyJoyOnline
- ADF Magazine. (2022). Oil and Gas Industry in Ghana: Economic Impact and Environmental Considerations. Retrieved from ADF Magazine
- United Nations Development Programme. (n.d.). National Integrated Maritime Strategy: A Roadmap for Sustainable Marine Resource Management. Retrieved from UNDP
- United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative. (2018). Sustainable Blue Economy Finance Principles. Retrieved from UNEP FI
United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. (2023). The Role of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea in Global Ocean Governance. Retrieved from UN DESA
Albert Derrick Fiatui, is the Executive Director at the Centre for International Maritime Affairs, Ghana (CIMAG), an Advocacy, Research and Operational Policy Think- Tank, with focus on the Maritime Industry (Blue Economy) and general Ocean Governance. He is a Maritime Policy, Ocean Governance and Coastal Development Expert.
Email: [email protected] /[email protected]
