Ghana Takes Major Step towards Marine Conservation with Cabinet Approval of First Marine Protected Area

In a significant milestone for Ghana’s marine conservation efforts, the Cabinet has given approval for the establishment of the country’s first Marine Protected Area (MPA) within the Greater Cape Three Points area of the Western Region. The announcement was made by the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Hon. Emelia Arthur, during a press briefing in Accra.

A Critical Step towards Sustainable Marine Resource Management

The proposed MPA, covering approximately 700 square kilometers, is a critical breeding and nursery ground for sardinellas and other species, as well as an important migratory route for whales and dolphins. It also provides nesting grounds for marine turtles. Protecting this area will provide immense benefits, including fish stock recovery, enhancement of fisher folk livelihoods and incomes, provision of opportunities for ecotourism, and climate resilience.

Promoting Sustainable Fishing Practices

The establishment of the protected area does not intend to prohibit fishing activities entirely. Rather, its objective is to promote sustainable fishing practices that do not adversely impact the livelihoods of local fishing communities. The MPA aligns with Ghana’s Blue Economy Strategy by supporting both blue wealth, encompassing fisheries, aquaculture, and tourism, and blue health, which focuses on ecosystem restoration and biodiversity.

Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration

The Ministry has conducted extensive consultations across fishing communities and traditional authorities in 21 participating communities, engaging over 7,000 stakeholders, predominantly fisherfolk and community leaders. A multistakeholder MPA Technical Advisory Committee has guided the scientific and participatory process, ensuring that it reflects broad consensus and community support and meets relevant international standards.

Next Steps

Following Cabinet approval, the Ministry and Commission will engage in several activities towards the realization of establishing the MPA, including:
Mapping out and gazetting the designation of the Greater Cape Three Points MPA
Conducting inter-ministerial engagement to build support for implementation
Making a public declaration of the MPA
Collaborating with participating communities, NGOs, and faith-based organizations to integrate local knowledge into the development and implementation of a management plan for the MPA
Undertaking public education and sensitization on the MPA
Developing enforcement and monitoring plans to prevent illegal activities
Identifying and promoting alternative livelihoods to support fishers who might be affected

A Call to Action

Hon. Emelia Arthur, Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, has called on all stakeholders to collaborate with the government to ensure the successful implementation of this transformative initiative. “The approval by Cabinet of Ghana’s first Marine Protected Area marks a major step toward building a sustainable blue economy which aims to protect marine life and support fishing communities in diverse ways,” she emphasized.