Ghana has launched a regional initiative designed to strengthen ocean governance, advance a sustainable blue economy, and protect marine ecosystems across 13 coastal West African states.
The launch event for the West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme (WASOP) took place at the Artisanal Fishing Harbour in Tema, led by Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Emelia Arthur with the participation of the Secretary General of the Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC) Gaston Djihinto, EU Ambassador to Ghana Rune Skinnebach, and Executive Director of the Fisheries Commission, Prof. Benjamin Campion.
Ambassador Skinnebach emphasised the urgency of addressing IUU fishing, which deprives West Africa of billions of dollars annually and threatens food security and jobs. He reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to support the region, stressing that ‘the ocean is our common heritage and its health is our shared responsibility.’
On behalf of the Government of Ghana, Emelia Arthur hailed the launch as a ‘defining moment in our collective journey to secure the health of our oceans, strengthen the resilience of our fisheries, and safeguard the prosperity of our coastal communities.’
She expressed appreciation to the European Union for funding the programme and selecting Ghana as a key partner in its implementation.
WASOP is anchored on three pillars in strengthening ocean governance – reducing IUU fishing, promoting science-based management of shared fish stocks, and improving regional cooperation.
The programme, coordinated by Expertise France with implementation support from EFCA, FAO, SRFC/CSRP, and FCWC, spans 13 coastal West African states – Benin, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.
Emelia Arthur underscored the need for collective action and innovation, calling on governments, fishers’ associations, civil society, and the media to play their part.
‘Our fishers and coastal communities are not just beneficiaries, they are true partners in this journey. Their active engagement will ensure that WASOP remains locally grounded and regionally owned,’ she said.
