The two-day workshop was conducted concurrently across four coastal regions
The SDG Advisory Unit and the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) have organised a workshop to validate Ghana’s Sustainable Ocean Plan (SOP), engaging key stakeholders in a comprehensive review process.
The objective of the validation exercise was to assess the scientific rigor, practical feasibility, and social equity of the draft ocean plan, with the aim of producing a validated, evidence-based document.
The plan is designed to serve as a robust foundation for ensuring the long-term sustainability of Ghana’s oceans while supporting the development of a national blue economy strategy.
The two-day workshop, conducted concurrently across four coastal regions, brought together marine professionals, policy experts, civil society organisations (CSOs), and community leaders to critically review and validate the SOP.
Participants focused on the plan’s core pillars, which emphasise: the sustainable utilisation of ocean resources to enhance ocean wealth; the restoration and maintenance of healthy marine ecosystems to ensure ocean health; and the establishment of safe and secure conditions at sea to promote ocean security.
The Chairman of the NDPC and Senior Advisor to the President, Dr Nii Moi Thompson, speaking on the SDGs, underscored the importance of the Sustainable Ocean Plan in balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship.
He highlighted that the plan will provide a roadmap to safeguard the health and resilience of Ghana’s oceans, guide public and private investment decisions, and strengthen institutional coordination.
Expressing gratitude to partners and stakeholders, he wished them fruitful deliberations and a successful validation workshop.
In her welcome remarks on behalf of the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Jemima Lamptey, Regional Development Planning Officer, expressed appreciation to the conveners and participants.
She noted that Ghana’s oceans provide food, jobs, energy, trade, and cultural opportunities for millions of Ghanaians but face significant threats from pollution, over-exploitation, climate change, and unsustainable land use.
Lamptey stressed that the Sustainable Ocean Plan seeks to strike a balance between economic development and environmental sustainability, reflecting Ghana’s commitment to sustainably manage 100% of its ocean jurisdiction by 2050.
In a solidarity message, Commander Abu Zakaria of the Ghana Navy praised the inclusive process that shaped the SOP under the leadership and support of the SDG Advisory Unit.
He explained that the plan aligns with Ghana’s national priorities while supporting UN SDG 14 (Life Below Water), the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and global ocean science efforts.
Commander Zakaria emphasised that the validation exercise is not merely a formality but a critical opportunity to confirm the vision, principles, and actions that will guide Ghana’s ocean governance.
Providing an overview, SOP consultant Ebenezer Appiah-Sampong described the size and character of Ghana’s ocean space, which includes territorial waters, the continental shelf, fishing zones, lagoons, estuaries, wetlands, and coastline resources.
He highlighted key economic and natural resources, such as fisheries, offshore hydrocarbons, minerals, ports, cultural sites, and subsea cables, noting their significant contributions to the blue economy.
However, he cautioned that these resources are increasingly under pressure from illegal fishing, pollution, coastal erosion, and climate change.
Appiah-Sampong further explained that, as a member of the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, Ghana has committed to bringing 30% of its ocean space under sustainable management by 2030 and 100% by 2050.
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