ISTANBUL

Ocean Centers Ghana, an initiative backed by the UN Global Compact and Lloyd’s Register Foundation, was launched Thursday in the Ghanaian capital of Accra to support maritime sustainability and the economy.

“We are launching a renewed commitment to collaborative, evidence-based and locally driven efforts for safe and sustainable ocean industries,” Fisheries and Aquaculture Development Minister Emelia Arthur said at an event, themed Accelerating the Pace Towards a Safe and Sustainable Blue Economy in Ghana.

She highlighted the reliance by coastal communities on the ocean not only for livelihoods and food, but also as a “cornerstone” of Ghana’s economy and society.

“This vital resource is under increasing threat from overfishing, pollution, illegal activities, climate change and insufficient safety measures across the value chain,” she said.

Arthur said the ministry pushed parliament to ratify the World Trade Organization’s fisheries subsidies agreement, affirming the West African nation’s commitment to ending harmful subsidies that fuel overfishing and illegal fishing in the country’s interest.

She also said Ghana will soon declare its first marine protected area.

The Ocean Centers initiative focuses on accelerating local solutions for ocean safety, sustainability and ethical business, following a global launch at the 2025 UN Ocean Conference in France.