The Ghana Science Association (GSA), in collaboration with the Africa Ocean Institute, has held its 40th Biennial Workshop under the theme, “Advancing Ghana’s Blue Economy: Securing Our Shores; Feeding Our Future.”
The day’s event brought together participants from non-governmental organisations, civil society organisations, ministries, departments and agencies, academia, and other stakeholders in the Blue Economy.
Among the objectives of the workshop was to afford participants the opportunity to deliberate on the future of Ghana’s Blue Economy.
Some participants who were unable to attend in person contributed virtually, ensuring the workshop remained interactive and engaging.
In a speech read for her by the Coordinator of the Blue Economy Secretariat, Mr Fred Antwi, the Fisheries and Aquaculture Development Minister, Emelia Arthur, urged the GSA and the academic community to collaborate with the Ministry to advance practical, research-based measures to protect Ghana’s marine resources and secure livelihood
She said scientists and researchers were needed to co-create digital solutions and systems to transform Ghana’s Blue Economy, which was facing serious threats from illegal mining, destructive fishing practices and other harmful environmental activities.
The Minister therefore proposed the establishment of a joint technical body between the Ministry and the Ghana Science Association (GSA) to facilitate structured engagement on stock assessment, climate adaptation, coastal resilience and other critical areas.
Mrs Arthur stressed that the transformation of Ghana’s Blue Economy could not be achieved by the Government alone, but required strong partnerships among scientists, researchers, coastal communities and other stakeholders.
She said efforts to build a robust and sustainable sector must be guided by the principles of integration, innovation, inclusion and integrity. According to her, the challenges facing the sector cut across multiple areas and therefore required collaboration, innovative solutions and strict adherence to the law.
The Minister challenged scientists and researchers to move beyond academic publications by translating their findings into clear and practical policy recommendations that could be readily implemented by the Government.
She also advocated community-centred science, in which fisherfolk and coastal communities would be recognised as partners whose practical knowledge could complement formal scientific research in addressing real-world challenges.
On the issue of blue justice, Mrs Arthur said scientists must ensure that their innovations and recommendations promoted fairness and inclusion for women fish processors, young people, small-scale fishers and other vulnerable groups across the Blue Economy value chain.
The Minister said the Government had already initiated several measures and was making progress in strengthening the sector. She disclosed that a high-level joint technical committee was preparing a Cabinet memorandum aimed at strengthening the governance and protection of aquatic zones.
“To consolidate these gains, a draft Blue Economy Commission Bill prepared by the consultant, Dr Godwin Djokoto, with funding from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has been finalised, technically reviewed by a 19-member intersectoral committee, and is now undergoing stakeholder engagement ahead of validation and submission to Cabinet and Parliament by October 2026,” she announced.
Dr Selina Ama Saah, National President of the GSA, stressed the urgent need to safeguard Ghana’s fisheries sector and protect the ocean. She said a resilient Blue Economy could strengthen food security, reduce the country’s dependence on imported fish, create employment opportunities and stimulate innovation in marine technologies.
She noted that emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, smart systems and advanced breeding technologies, could help improve productivity, resource management and environmental protection.
“But technology alone will not solve our problems. We need appropriate policies, investment and infrastructure, skilled human resources, strong institutions, and collaboration among government, academia, industry and coastal communities,” she added.
Dr Saah expressed the hope that the workshop would produce a practical framework for cross-sectoral collaboration, a roadmap for science and innovation in aquaculture, and evidence-based recommendations for coastal protection and fisheries management.
Reflecting on the impact of the Association’s biennial workshops and conferences over the years, she said the events had addressed numerous national challenges and generated recommendations that had contributed to the development of key national initiatives and institutions, including the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
Professor Benjamin B. Campion, Executive Director of the Fisheries Commission, reiterated the serious challenges confronting Ghana’s fisheries sector and noted that the Commission could not sustainably manage the sector without adequate support.
“We therefore need continuous investment in fisheries science, stock assessment, fisheries data, ocean observation, digital technologies, climate science, aquaculture research and innovations that can translate directly into management decisions,” he appealed.
Prof. Mrs Christine Adu-Yeboah, Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor of UCC, commended the Ghana Science Association for demonstrating leadership and taking practical steps towards finding solutions to the country’s challenges.
She reaffirmed the University’s commitment to advancing the development of Ghana’s Blue Economy through its Africa Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience, saying, “We are positioning ourselves at the forefront of marine and coastal research.”
"We believe the university must not be an ivory tower, but a solutions hub that directly impacts society and the communities we serve," she said.
