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The University of Ghana School of Law, in collaboration with the Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences and the Norway Centre for the Law of the Sea, has briefed the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, on the progress of the Oceans Governance, Research and Development Project.
The initiative, funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation, is a four-year programme that began in 2022 and concluded in 2025. It is currently under a six-month extension to complete its final phase of implementation.
The project aims to strengthen Ghana’s capacity in the law of the sea and improve ocean governance through research, training, and policy development.
Led by Francis Nunoo, the project team highlighted key achievements, particularly in the area of strategic policy engagement. Among these are contributions to the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025 (Act 1146), as well as ongoing discussions on the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.
The team also noted that a series of roundtable dialogues and stakeholder consultations have played a critical role in assessing and reinforcing governance frameworks within Ghana’s fisheries sector.
A central focus of the project has been the development of a new generation of experts in ocean governance. This has been pursued through support for academic research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and practical training in maritime law. By bridging the gap between academia and policymaking, the initiative seeks to ensure the sustainable management of Ghana’s marine resources in line with international best practices.
In her remarks, Minister Emelia Arthur expressed satisfaction with the progress made, noting that the project aligns closely with the government’s broader agenda to promote sustainable fisheries and a resilient blue economy. She urged the team to deepen collaboration with the Ministry’s Blue Economy Unit to enhance stakeholder engagement and ensure effective implementation of policy outcomes.
The Minister further reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote sound ocean governance and uphold the rule of law at sea, underscoring their importance to national development, food security, and environmental sustainability.
