The 2nd International Conference on Ocean Governance commenced with a grand opening ceremony on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at the University of Ghana School of Law Auditorium. Dignitaries from around the world attended the ceremony.
Notable attendees included Prof Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, represented by Prof Gordon Akanzuwine Awandare, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs; Dominic Ayine, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Republic of Ghana; Judge Keh Kamara, Judge, International Tribunal of the Law of the Sea (ITLOS); Her Excellency Ingrid Skjolaas, Deputy Head of Mission/Minister Counsellor, Royal Norwegian Embassy; and Prof Peter Atudiwe Atupare, Dean of the University of Ghana School of Law.
In his opening address, Prof. Atupare expressed gratitude and excitement about the growth of the conference and its impact on ocean governance and the Law of the Sea.
“As Dean of the School of Law, I stand here mindful of the path that has brought us here – the groundbreaking ideas forged at the first conference and the momentum we are building through scholarship, diplomacy, and advocacy,” he stated.
Prof. Gordon Awandare, representing the Vice Chancellor, championed the university’s support for the project.
“The management of the University of Ghana is enormously proud of the leadership of our University of Ghana School of Law in spearheading this truly interdisciplinary project, which is poised to generate impactful outputs that will shape ocean governance not only regionally but also serve as a reference point globally.
“I want to recognise the support of the Norwegian Centre for the Law of the Sea (NCLOS) and NORAD, whose longstanding partnership with the University of Ghana has not only supported this conference but catalysed an entire academic ecosystem,” he proudly stated.
Helen Ziwu, Solicitor and representative of the Attorney General, spoke, saying, “This is the second edition of the Ocean Governance Conference. The continuity of this speaks to the depth of commitment shared across institutions. I wish to echo that commitment today and affirm that the rule of law remains at the centre of Ghana’s approach to marine governance; however, the work ahead requires more than reaffirmation.”
Peter Dery, representative of the Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology, highlighted Ghana’s efforts in addressing ocean governance challenges. “With UNDP’s (United Nations Development Programme) support, Ghana has conducted pioneering studies on microplastics in our waters.
We are exploring the use of satellite surveillance and drones to combat Illegal, Unreported, Unregulated (IUU) fishing, and we are investing in research hubs to generate data for adaptive policy-making.
True resilience will only emerge when citizens and local leaders are fully involved in this fight. Distinguished guests, even as we are confronted with these threats, let us remember the promise of the Blue Economy, valued globally at over $1 trillion.
For Ghana, it offers pathways to jobs, security, renewable energy, and ecotourism, but this promise depends on a living ocean. That is why Ghana is scaling up mangrove restoration projects, exploring new marine protected areas, and advancing climate-smart coastal infrastructure to shield our people and biodiversity.”
Her Excellency Ingrid Skjolaas emphasised the commitment and support of the Norwegian Embassy and Norway to this collaboration aimed at sustaining ocean governance.
“As Norway, we remain fully committed to this partnership and to the visions that we share. Let me commend the University of Ghana School of Law, the Department of Marine and Fisheries Science, and the entire organising team for their dedication to bringing us together for this important dialogue. It’s a space for collaboration and solutions that our oceans and our future so urgently need,” she stated emphatically.
Judge Keh Kamara, the keynote speaker, provided a comprehensive breakdown of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and its adaptation to climate change. He cited the Advisory Opinion through the tribunal, giving irrevocable evidence of how climate change directly affects the ocean and hence ocean governance and the Law of the Sea.
In the afternoon session, Prof Nana Ama Brown Klutse, the keynote speaker, highlighted the issues of climate change and its crippling effect on the world.
She emphasised the importance and usefulness of the ocean and how it stands at risk largely due to human behaviour.
“Addressing this crisis demands a robust and collaborative response through our legal and policy frameworks. We must move from high-level commitment to enforcement and on-the-ground action. At the international level, landmark agreements such as UNCLOS provide a fundamental framework for ocean governance. However, the climate crisis presents new challenges that require us to interpret and expand these laws,” she strongly admonished.
The session also featured presentations on various aspects of marine issues by speakers including Dr Peter Dery, Prof Simon Bawakyullenuo, Dr Kwame Agyekum, Prof Dr Bimal N. Patel and Samuel Alesu-Dordzi.
The Conference is hosted by the University of Ghana School of Law (UGSoL) in collaboration with the Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences, University of Ghana and the Norwegian Centre for Law of the Sea (NCLOS), with the support of the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD).
