Cape Coast:Researchers, regulators, and civil society leaders have emphasized the need for increased community involvement, stricter enforcement of environmental laws, and improved ocean data systems to combat threats such as pollution, coastal erosion, and declining fish stocks, which jeopardize the livelihoods of thousands along Ghana's coastline.
According to Ghana Web, the Ghana Ocean Dialogue, held under the theme 'Shaping Our Blue Economy,' was organized by Emerging Climate Frontiers (ECF) and the Ghana Marine Climate Innovation Hub, in collaboration with the University of Cape Coast (UCC). The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including researchers, policy experts, and youth advocates, to discuss strategies for safeguarding Ghana's marine resources while maximizing economic benefits.
Participants highlighted the critical role of the sea in driving trade, sustaining families, and shaping coastal cultures from the port cities of Tema and Takoradi to fishing communities in the Central and Volta regions. However, they also noted the increasing challenges posed by plastic pollution, illegal small-scale mining, and unsustainable fishing practices.
The dialogue proposed a sustainable ocean economy framework built on five pillars Blue Wealth, Blue Health, Blue Knowledge, Blue Finance, and Blue Equity. Dr. Dorothy Khasisi Lukhabi, representing the Centre for Coastal Management, emphasized the importance of deliberate action and comprehensive policy implementation to achieve a resilient blue economy by 2035.
Discussions also addressed the need for integrating indigenous traditions into modern coastal governance and ensuring direct community engagement. Participants called for education on sustainable practices and transparent research, while advocating for a unified ocean financing architecture to support these initiatives.