1. Introduction
The Government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, the Ministry of Transport, and the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA), convened a three-day high-level stakeholder engagement on the Blue Economy Strategy. This landmark event aimed to transform Ghana’s marine and freshwater resources into engines of sustainable economic growth, while preserving biodiversity and fostering inclusive social development.
The meeting brought together policymakers, private sector leaders, academia, civil society organizations (CSOs), and international development partners, including AU-IBAR, the African Union, and IMO-linked partners. Among the key civil society participants was the Nurture Nature Foundation (NNF), whose grassroots voice was critical in shaping the dialogue and ensuring community priorities were represented.
2. Vision and Purpose
The engagement was centered around validating Ghana’s first National Blue Economy Strategy, aligned with:
– UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
– African Union Agenda 2063
– ECOWAS Regional Maritime Strategy
Vision Statement:
“A prosperous, inclusive, and resilient Ghana driven by a sustainable blue economy.”
The stakeholder dialogue sought to:
– Finalize the draft National Strategy.
– Build consensus around establishing a Blue Economy Commission.
– Define financing mechanisms, including a proposed National Blue Fund.
– Foster collaboration among government, private sector, CSOs, and local communities.
– Position Ghana as a regional leader in sustainable ocean and freshwater governance.
3. NNF’s Role as a Stakeholder
The Nurture Nature Foundation (NNF) participated as a key civil society voice, emphasizing the vital connection between ocean health and community livelihoods. NNF’s interventions focused on:
– Plastic Waste & Marine Pollution: Highlighting the growing crisis of marine litter and plastic waste choking Ghana’s coastal communities.
– Community-Centric Governance: Advocating for the integration of local fisherfolk, youth, and women’s groups in decision-making.
– Education & Awareness: Calling for environmental education in schools and through churches, markets, and community events.
– Equity & Livelihoods: Stressing that sustainable ocean policies must generate equitable benefits, not just profit for large corporations.
NNF Statement at the Forum:
“Our oceans are the lifeblood of many Ghanaian communities. A sustainable blue economy must prioritize not only resource extraction but also the people whose lives depend on these waters. Policies must be community-first, integrating education, livelihoods, and environmental stewardship.”
4. Key Themes and Strategic Pillars
Stakeholders examined five core pillars, with NNF providing specific recommendations under each:
1. Blue Wealth: Sustainable eco-tourism and recycling enterprises to create green jobs for youth and women.
2. Blue Health: Inclusion of plastic waste reduction targets and nationwide cleanup initiatives.
3. Blue Knowledge: Community-driven monitoring and citizen science projects.
4. Blue Equity: Gender-sensitive policies and support for small-scale fishers.
5. Blue Safety & Security: Tackling illegal fishing and waste dumping through strong enforcement and community policing.
5. Key Highlights from the Engagement
5.1 Expanding the Economic Scope:
– Salt production potential estimated at 1.5 million metric tons annually, compared to current production of 50,000 tons.
– Pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals from seaweed and algae were identified as emerging sectors.
– NNF stressed integrating circular economy models, such as converting ocean plastic waste into innovative products like furniture or textiles.
5.2 Inclusive Decision-Making:
– NNF emphasized that local voices must guide national policies, recommending community councils for each coastal district to advise the Blue Economy Commission.
– Suggested the Adopt-a-Beach and Adopt-a-Market programs as part of the strategy to instill shared responsibility for waste management.
5.3 Financing the Blue Economy:
– Stakeholders proposed a National Blue Fund to attract international financing.
– NNF called for a dedicated community grant window within the fund to support small-scale, locally led environmental projects.
– Recommendations were made to remove VAT on insurance premiums for SMEs operating in blue sectors to promote entrepreneurship.
6. Multi-Sectoral Collaboration
The strategy’s development and implementation involve a multi-ministerial task force, including:
– Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development
– Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation
– Ministry of Transport
– Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources
– Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture
– National Development Planning Commission (NDPC)
– CSOs such as NNF providing grassroots insights
NNF committed to working closely with these ministries to bridge the gap between national policy and local action.
7. Outcomes and Next Steps
Key outcomes agreed upon during the engagement include:
– Finalize the strategy by the end of September 2025.
– Establish the Blue Economy Commission, with representation from civil society and local communities.
– Draft a comprehensive legal framework for blue economy governance and financing.
– Launch the National Blue Fund, with a community project funding stream championed by NNF.
– Roll out a national campaign on ocean literacy and sustainable coastal livelihoods.
8. NNF’s Strategic Take on Sustainable Oceans
NNF presented a five-point framework to integrate sustainability into Ghana’s Blue Economy Strategy:
1. Education First: Introduce ocean literacy in school curricula and expand environmental clubs for youth.
2. Community Empowerment: Support small-scale fishers, women traders, and youth entrepreneurs with skills and microfinance.
3. Waste Management Reform: Implement plastic deposit-return schemes and promote recycling hubs in coastal towns.
4. Data for Decision-Making: Create community-led monitoring systems for marine biodiversity and pollution levels.
5. Policy Integration: Ensure that every blue economy policy is tested for its social and environmental impact before implementation.
9. Broader Context
The Ghana Shippers’ Authority engagement was linked to broader regional and global initiatives:
– IMO GreenVoyage2050 Program: Decarbonizing shipping and promoting green maritime practices.
– AU-IBAR Partnerships: Supporting regional harmonization of ocean policies.
– ECOWAS Collaboration: Advancing a shared West African vision for sustainable ocean governance.
NNF committed to playing a role in these platforms by sharing grassroots innovations and success stories from Ghana’s coastal communities.
10. Conclusion
The three-day stakeholder engagement reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to building a sustainable, inclusive blue economy. Through the active participation of organizations like NNF, the strategy now reflects not only high-level policy ambitions but also community-driven solutions to safeguard Ghana’s oceans and freshwater resources.
With the final strategy set to be completed and launched later this year, Ghana has the opportunity to emerge as a regional leader in ocean sustainability — provided that all stakeholders continue to collaborate, innovate, and invest in the shared vision of healthy waters and thriving communities.
11. Recommendations for Stakeholders
Government: Fast-track the Blue Economy Commission and enact strong waste management laws.
Private Sector: Invest in eco-tourism, sustainable aquaculture, and circular economy businesses.
Academia: Conduct applied research to support innovation in fisheries, waste recycling, and ocean monitoring.
CSOs & Communities: Mobilize citizens for advocacy, education, and behavior change programs.
Development Partners: Provide financing and technical support for grassroots environmental projects.