Accra: Mr John Mikal Kvistad, the Norwegian Ambassador to Ghana, has commended Hen Mpoano, a local non-governmental organisation (NGO), for its work in promoting sustainable fisheries, marine ecosystem protection, and coastal livelihood empowerment for inclusive development. He gave the commendation when he led a team from the Norwegian Embassy to assess the impacts of the Norwegian Government's supported initiatives being implemented by the NGO within some coastal communities.
According to Ghana News Agency, the visit was aimed at gaining insights into the progress being made towards ecosystem restoration and resilience, particularly focusing on Ghana's recently declared first-ever Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the Greater Cape Three Points enclave. The delegation visited Butre, Cape Three Points, and Princess Town communities in the Ahanta West Municipality of the Western Region. Currently, the Norwegian Government, through its development cooperation, is supporting three initiatives being implemented by Hen Mpoano and partner organisations: the Sustainable Oceans Project, Gender-Responsive Conservation, and Economic Mobility and Protection of Women, Youth, and Ecosystems for Resilient Fisheries.
Mr Kvistad emphasized that his visit was part of the Government of Norway's ongoing commitment to supporting sustainable ocean management, fisheries governance, climate resilience, food security, and blue economy development in Ghana. He expressed satisfaction with the on-the-ground efforts, stating, "Our local partners Hen Mpoano are doing well and I am here to see some of the results, because it is important to see what is happening on the ground and not always read reports and I am satisfied with what I have seen."
The ambassador praised the NGO for their dedication and professionalism in executing supportive initiatives within coastal communities, noting, "They have been doing this for a long time, and the more reason why we are supporting them is because they are professional and very good at what they do."
Mr Kofi Agbogah, the Executive Director of Hen Mpoano, expressed gratitude to the Norwegian Ambassador for recognizing the impactful work being carried out in their project communities. He highlighted that the MPA represented a significant investment in the country's sustainable ocean management and urged the Norwegian Government to continue supporting the NGO's efforts to ensure the success of the MPA.