News Guide Africa

Tag: Blue economy

  • ‘A Painful Symbol of Neglect’: Godsbrain Smart sounds alarm over deteriorating Mumford fishing harbour

    ‘A Painful Symbol of Neglect’: Godsbrain Smart sounds alarm over deteriorating Mumford fishing harbour

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

     

    The future of the Mumford Fishing Harbour Landing Site hangs in the balance as prominent public figure Blessed Godsbrain Smart issues a passionate plea for immediate intervention, warning that the vital infrastructure project cannot be left to fail through “silence, neglect and inaction.”

    In an official statement released by his office on June 23, 2026, Smart a broadcasting executive and incoming Member of Parliament for Gomoa West sounded the alarm over the rapid deterioration of the harbour, which was originally intended to serve as a strategic economic lifeline for the region.

    A Vision Stalled by Decay

    The modern fishing harbour was promised to the people of Mumford as a catalyst to transform the local economy, create sustainable jobs, and position the area as a major fisheries and blue economy hub in Gomoa West and the Central Region. However, recent observations at the site paint a starkly different picture.

    According to Smart, the project is rapidly breaking down, with the infrastructure failing to serve its intended purpose.

    “The breakwater is showing serious signs of deterioration, the harbour basin appears increasingly affected by siltation, and several ancillary facilities are visibly deteriorating,” Smart noted. “What was meant to be a beacon of economic transformation is gradually becoming a painful symbol of neglect.”

    Political Silence and Economic Impact

    The deterioration has been compounded by what Smart describes as a three-year wall of silence from local political leadership, leaving residents without a clear roadmap or answers. He emphasized that the crisis transcends political boundaries, directly threatening the livelihoods of fisherfolk, fishmongers, and youth looking for employment.

    “This matter must not be reduced to partisan politics. It is bigger than party colours,” Smart insisted. “Every day that passes without action is another day that the hopes of the people are weakened. Every day that passes without a clear rehabilitation plan is another day that a valuable public asset continues to deteriorate.”

    Vowing to use his public voice, networks, and influence to fight for the completion and full operationalization of the facility, Smart declared a zero-tolerance approach to the ongoing abandonment:

    “I will not sit quietly while such an important project struggles. I will not look away while fisherfolk suffer. I will not ignore the women whose businesses depend on the harbour.”

    A Call for Collective Action

    To remedy the situation, Smart is calling for a comprehensive solution that brings together chiefs, local business owners, technical experts, and key state institutions including the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, the Ministry of Transport, and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority.

    The proposed roadmap forward includes:

    ● Technical Assessments: Conducting a full technical assessment and publishing a transparent report.

    ● Engineering Interventions: Executing urgent desilting interventions and repairing the failing breakwater.

    ● Facility Upgrades: Completing critical ancillary structures, landing infrastructure, and cold storage facilities.

    ● Community-Led Management: Designing a long-term management framework that places the people of Mumford at the center.

    Closing his appeal with a rallying cry for community unity, Smart emphasized that the time for excuses has ended.

    “The time for silence has passed. The time for leadership is now. The time for action is now,” Smart concluded. “Together, we can demand answers… and ensure that the Mumford Fishing Harbour finally delivers the economic transformation our people were promised.”

     

  • Marine Safety: Ghana announces first ‘Marine Protected Area’ in Western Region

    Marine Safety: Ghana announces first ‘Marine Protected Area’ in Western Region

    By Adnan Adams Mohammed

    In a landmark move for environmental conservation, Ghana has officially designated the Greater Cape Three Points Area as the country’s first-ever Marine Protected Area (MPA), signaling a major leap toward the global “30×30” initiative

    The initiative, part of the Global Biodiversity Framework, aims to protect 30% of the world’s lands and oceans by 2030. Ghana’s entry into this space marks a turning point for the nation’s blue economy and its commitment to safeguarding marine biodiversity.

    The historic announcement was made on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, by Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang during a ceremony in Busua. The declaration marks a fundamental shift in Ghana’s maritime policy, prioritizing the long-term health of ocean ecosystems over immediate exploitation.

    A “Defining Moment” for the Blue Economy

    Addressing the gathering of traditional leaders, government officials, and environmentalists, the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, described the establishment of the MPA as a “defining moment” for the nation.

    “Today, we do not merely gather; we make history,” Minister Arthur stated. “This moment will be remembered as the day Ghana took a bold and irreversible step to protect her oceans, restore her fisheries, and secure the future of her coastal communities.”

    The Greater Cape Three Points Area is renowned for its immense marine biodiversity. However, in recent years, it has faced significant threats from overfishing, habitat degradation, and the impacts of offshore industrial activities.

    Collaborative Conservation

    The creation of the MPA was not a solitary government effort. The Minister highlighted the extensive collaboration between state agencies, academia, civil society, and local fishing communities.

    Special praise was reserved for Hen Mpoano, a leading NGO in coastal management, for providing the technical leadership and community engagement necessary to bridge the gap between scientific policy and local knowledge.

    The Technical Advisory Committee was also commended for ensuring the designation met international best practices, ensuring that the boundaries and regulations are grounded in rigorous scientific evidence.

    The Road to 30×30

    The establishment of this MPA is the result of years of collaboration between the Government of Ghana, local fishing communities, and international conservation partners. It serves as a foundational “building block” as Ghana seeks to scale up its maritime conservation efforts to meet the 30% target.

    Experts suggest that the MPA will not only bolster fish stocks but also enhance Ghana’s climate resilience. Mangroves and seagrasses within these protected zones act as significant carbon sinks, absorbing greenhouse gases at rates far higher than terrestrial forests.

    The Minister highlighted the extensive collaboration between state agencies, academia, civil society, and local fishing communities.

    Special praise was reserved for Hen Mpoano, a leading NGO in coastal management, for providing the technical leadership and community engagement necessary to bridge the gap between scientific policy and local knowledge.

    The Technical Advisory Committee was also commended for ensuring the designation met international best practices, ensuring that the boundaries and regulations are grounded in rigorous scientific evidence.

    Restoration and Prosperity

    The primary goals of the new MPA include:

    ● Recovery of Fish Stocks: Providing a “nursery” where fish can mature and replenish surrounding waters.

    ● Ecosystem Restoration: Protecting coral reefs and critical marine habitats from destructive practices.

    ● Climate Resilience: Strengthening the natural defenses of coastal communities against rising sea levels and storm surges.

    Minister Arthur emphasized that the MPA is the foundation of a “new social contract between people and the sea,” where conservation and economic prosperity are viewed as two sides of the same coin.

    Looking Ahead

    The Greater Cape Three Points MPA is expected to be the first of many. Government officials hinted that this designation serves as a pilot for a planned network of protected areas across Ghana’s coastline.

    As Ghana joins the ranks of global leaders in marine conservation, the move signals to the international community that the nation is serious about its “Blue Economy” agenda seeking sustainable growth while honoring its heritage as a coastal people.

    The event concluded with a unified pledge from traditional leaders and Members of Parliament to safeguard the area for future generations, marking the start of a new era for Ghana’s waters.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • New Fisheries Minister to pursue holistic ‘Blue Economy Initiative’

     

    “Fisheries Minister Emelia Arthur drives sustainable Blue Economy growth.”

     

     

    Adnan Adams Mohammed

     

    Key to the vision of the new Fisheries Minister is the Blue Economy Initiative which is an ambitious plan to leverage Ghana’s marine and freshwater resources for sustainable economic growth.

     

    The initiatives aim to sustainably manage and conserve the living and natural resources of the ocean, while harnessing its potential and benefits for the good of all.

     

    Hon. Emelia Arthur, who officially commenced her duties last week, announced a clear vision for the sustainable growth of Ghana’s fisheries and aquaculture sector in a meeting with the management teams of the Ministry, the Fisheries Commission and the Premix Fuel Secretariat to share her vision and expectations.

     

    She brings to the role a wealth of experience as a development specialist with expertise in local governance, natural resource management and gender inclusion. Her distinguished career includes roles as a Presidential Staffer, Deputy Regional Minister, and District Chief Executive. Her academic credentials from Yale University and GIMPA further underscore her ability to blend strategic planning with inclusive development, making her well-positioned to lead MOFA toward a sustainable future.

     

    Discussions at the meeting highlighted efforts to: Enforce the registration of fishing vessels; Regulate the trawl sub-sector to reduce juvenile fish harvest; Introduce safety standards for canoe construction; Monitor illegal fishing practices using an Electronic Monitoring System (EMS); and Establish Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to preserve biodiversity.

     

    The Hon Minister was also given details on the  challenges faced by the Commission including,  overfishing, illegal practices like light fishing and the use of dynamite, insufficient funding and difficulties in data collection. She discussed strategies to address these concerns and reaffirmed her commitment to addressing these challenges and supporting the sector’s growth by empowering stakeholders and encouraging teamwork.

     

    The Minister was briefed on the performance of the sector, which recorded total annual fish production of 684,114.87 metric tons in 2023: Marine Fisheries: 425,423.91 metric tons; Inland Fisheries: 142,583.13 metric tons; and Aquaculture: 116,107.83 metric tons.

     

    Further at the meeting, the Minister emphasized her commitment to collaboration, innovation and teamwork. She encouraged the team to focus on delivering sustainable results that benefit future generations.

     

    “Together, we can strengthen Ghana’s fisheries and aquaculture sector, making it more sustainable and impactful,” Hon. Arthur stated. “With collaboration, dedication, and innovation, we will ensure food security and a prosperous future for all.”

     

    With her wealth of experience, strategic vision, and passion for inclusive development, Hon. Emelia Arthur’s leadership promises to usher in a new era for Ghana’s fisheries and aquaculture industry.

     

  • One of Ghana’s finest and best-fit to lead Ghana Maritime Authority 

    Dr Kamal-Deen Ali, Ghana Maritime Authority Authority Director-General

     

     

     

    Adnan Adams Mohammed

     

    As President John Mahama progresses in forming his government machinery, one of the few best-fit appointment made so far is the Ghana Maritime Authority Director-General appointee, Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali.

     

    Dr Ali is a global doyen of maritime law and governance as well as blue economy, a new sector the current wants to tap significant to generate revenue while improving lives.

     

    He brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served as a Naval Captain, a prominent maritime lawyer, and a leading figure in maritime policy and governance at both national and international levels.

    Prior to his appointment, Dr. Ali served as the Executive Director of the Centre of Maritime Law and Security Africa (CEMLAWS Africa), where he provided crucial policy advice and reform services across several African countries.

     

    He is listed among the top 50 personalities influencing Africa’s Blues Economy.

     

    Dr. Ali has also made significant contributions to the maritime sector in Ghana and beyond.

     

    He holds a PhD in International Maritime Law, a Master of Laws, and a Master of Arts in International Relations.

     

    He is a Barrister of Law and holds a Bachelor of Laws degree, a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration, and is a graduate of the prestigious Ghana Armed Forces Senior Staff College.

     

    He serves as a visiting lecturer at the International Maritime Law Institute, Malta, an external examiner at the World Maritime University, Malmo, Sweden, and a Fellow of the Council on Foreign Relations Ghana.

     

    Dr. Ali is a prolific writer, having authored the book, “Maritime Security Cooperation in the Gulf of Guinea: Prospects and Challenges,” considered a leading publication in the maritime field. He is also a co-editor of the forthcoming book, “The Law of the Sea: Contemporary Norms and Practice in Africa.”

     

    As the fourth Director-General of the GMA, Dr. Ali is expected to leverage his extensive experience and global influence to significantly enhance ocean governance at national, continental, and global levels.