Nurture Nature Foundation has reaffirmed its leadership role in environmental conservation as Ghana moves closer to establishing its first Marine Protected Area (MPA) at the Greater Cape Three Points (GCTP), following high-level non-state actors’ engagements convened by the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture (MoFA) and its partners.
The Foundation, a recognised civil society organisation championing biodiversity protection, ecosystem restoration, and community-based environmental stewardship, participated actively in the engagements and was represented by its Executive Director, Mr. Peter Asiedu. The consultations followed Cabinet approval granted in October 2025 for the establishment of the GCTP Marine Protected Area, a landmark national initiative aimed at reversing declining fish stocks and safeguarding Ghana’s marine ecosystems.
Speaking on the sidelines of the engagement, Mr. Asiedu described the proposed MPA as “one of the most important environmental decisions Ghana has taken in recent decades,” noting that its success would depend on inclusive governance, sustained community engagement, and long-term political commitment.
“The health of our oceans is directly tied to food security, livelihoods, and climate resilience,” he said. “Nurture Nature Foundation sees the Greater Cape Three Points MPA not just as a conservation zone, but as a living system that must balance ecological protection with the social and economic realities of coastal communities.”
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Inclusive Process
The inter-sectoral engagement brought together representatives from government ministries, research institutions, traditional authorities, civil society organisations, and the private sector to align on the scientific, socio-economic, and governance foundations of the MPA.
The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Hon. Emilia Arthur, was represented at the meeting by Mr. Ishmael Nii Adjei Browne, Director of Research, Statistics, and Information Management at MoFA. Mr. Browne told participants that the Minister had personally visited all 21 communities within the proposed MPA area to ensure that local voices and indigenous knowledge informed the design of the protected area.
“This process has been deliberately inclusive,” Mr. Browne said. “The Minister chose to meet every affected community directly because the MPA must work for the people who depend on the sea. Stakeholders are being invited to shape the final outcome, not merely to endorse a finished decision.”
He urged civil society organizations, including Nurture Nature Foundation, to continue playing a strong role in sensitization and public education so that accurate information reaches grassroots communities.
Science and Community at the Centre of MPA Design
From a technical standpoint, Dr. Evans Aziri, Chairman of the Marine Protected Area Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), explained that the Greater Cape Three Points site was selected after years of scientific research, feasibility studies, and pilot interventions.
“The ecological importance of this area is undeniable,” Dr. Aziri noted. “But science alone cannot sustain an MPA. Governance systems, enforcement mechanisms, and community ownership must work together.”
This view resonated strongly with Nurture Nature Foundation’s advocacy agenda. According to Mr. Asiedu, conservation efforts that exclude communities are unlikely to succeed in the long term.
“We must move away from the idea that conservation means exclusion,” he said. “When communities understand the benefits—better fish stocks, healthier ecosystems, and new livelihood opportunities—they become the strongest defenders of the environment.”
Monitoring, Enforcement, and Traditional Leadership
Discussions at the engagement also focused on monitoring and compliance. Professor F. K. E. Nunoo of the University of Ghana’s Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences emphasized the importance of a unique name for the Marine Protection Area (MPA) Monitoring Team to distinguish it from other coastal protection teams, like the Coastal Guards. This would ensure clear identification and prevent any confusion during interventions or backup situations. Additionally, Professor Nunoo outlined plans to deploy technology-based monitoring systems, including vessel tracking and digital alerts, to detect illegal activities within the MPA. He also stressed that seaweed cultivation should be carried out in clean, uncontaminated environments to make it a viable, edible alternative, with a focus on preventing human feces contamination. This approach, he noted, would make seaweed farming more appealing to the population and contribute to sustainable practices in the region.
Participants agreed that enforcement would be most effective when combined with community-based surveillance. The Chief of Apremdo in the Western Region, Nana Egya Kwamina XI, emphasised the role of traditional authorities in mobilising community support and ensuring respect for conservation rules.
“Our people have lived with the sea for generations,” the chief said. “When traditional leaders are involved, conservation becomes part of our cultural responsibility, not just a government directive.”
Conservation Linked to Livelihoods and Climate Action
Beyond enforcement, the engagement explored how the MPA could unlock new economic opportunities. Justice Camillus Mensah, Project Manager at Hen Mpoano, highlighted mangrove restoration, eco-tourism, crab farming, and seaweed cultivation as viable livelihood options that could accompany the MPA.
For Nurture Nature Foundation, these proposals align directly with its mission. Mr. Asiedu stressed that environmental protection must go hand in hand with economic resilience.
“Mangroves are not just trees,” he said. “They protect coastlines, store carbon, and serve as breeding grounds for marine life. When we restore them, we are investing in climate action, biodiversity, and local incomes at the same time.”
Call for Sustained Political Will
While optimism was high, participants raised concerns about the need for continuity across political administrations. Emmanuel Kwame Dovlo, Regional Director of the Fisheries Commission, warned that without sustained engagement and public ownership, progress could stall.
Nurture Nature Foundation echoed this concern, calling for the MPA to be treated as a national asset rather than a short-term policy initiative.
“This is bigger than any single government,” Mr. Asiedu said. “Protecting our oceans is about the future of Ghana. Civil society, traditional authorities, and citizens must all hold ourselves accountable to sustaining this commitment.”
A Defining Moment for Environmental Governance
As Ghana moves toward gazetting the Greater Cape Three Points Marine Protected Area, the role of civil society organisations like Nurture Nature Foundation is increasingly coming into focus. Through advocacy, community engagement, and environmental education, the Foundation has positioned itself as a critical partner in translating national policy into lasting environmental outcomes.
With Cabinet approval secured and stakeholder consensus growing, observers say the success of Ghana’s first MPA will depend on how effectively government and civil society continue to work together.
For Nurture Nature Foundation and its Executive Director, Peter Asiedu, the message is clear: protecting Ghana’s marine heritage is not optional—it is essential for national development, climate resilience, and the well-being of generations to come.