Experts urge legal backing for ocean protection in Ghana’s blue economy agenda
The call comes amid growing efforts to tap into the country’s blue economy—an approach that emphasizes the responsible management, conservation, and restoration of ocean ecosystems for economic and environmental benefits.
Stakeholders in Ghana’s marine and coastal sectors are advocating for explicit constitutional provisions to safeguard the nation’s marine resources and ensure their sustainable use.
The call comes amid growing efforts to tap into the country’s blue economy—an approach that emphasizes the responsible management, conservation, and restoration of ocean ecosystems for economic and environmental benefits.
At a recent Ocean Governance expert meeting held in Accra on Friday, May 9, Professor Francis Kofi Ewusie, Head of the Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences at the University of Ghana, emphasized the importance of constitutional support in strengthening marine protection efforts.
He stressed that ocean-related challenges—ranging from pollution to climate-induced coastal flooding and erosion—demand a unified legal approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of marine and freshwater ecosystems.
Professor Ewusie also called on the Constitution Review Committee to expand the legal definition of Ghana’s ocean resources to include coastal zones and inland water bodies, ensuring comprehensive protection for vulnerable communities and ecosystems alike.
