Fisheries Minister rallies scientists to develop solutions for sustainable Blue Economy

The Ghanaian Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development has called upon scientists and researchers to collaborate in crafting practical solutions to safeguard the country's ocean and bolster livelihoods. Mrs. Emelia Arthur, the Sector Minister, emphasized the need for digital innovations and systems to combat threats like illegal mining, destructive fishing, and other harmful practices.

To facilitate this, she proposed establishing a joint technical body between the Ministry and the Ghana Science Association (GSA) to address critical areas such as stock assessment, climate adaptation, and coastal resilience. At a workshop themed "Advancing Ghana’s Blue Economy: Securing our shores, feeding our future," stakeholders expressed concerns over environmental degradation and proposed collaborative solutions.

Arthur stressed that the Blue Economy required government, scientists, and coastal communities to work hand in hand, guided by integration, innovation, inclusion, and integrity. She urged scientists to convert their research findings into actionable policies and consider the needs of vulnerable groups like women fish processors and youth.

The Ministry has initiated steps, including a high-level technical committee, to strengthen governance and protect aquatic zones, with a draft Bill for the Blue Economy Commission currently under stakeholder review. Dr. Selina Ama Saah, GSA's National President, stressed the urgency of saving the fisheries sector and highlighted potential contributions from emerging technologies.

However, she noted that policy, investment, infrastructure, and collaboration were equally crucial. Prof. Benjamin B. Campion of the Fisheries Commission echoed the sector's challenges and called for sustained investment in science, data, and technology to aid sustainable management. UCC's Dr. Christine Adu-Yeboah commended the initiative and pledged the university's commitment to advancing Blue Economy research through its Africa Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience.