The Parliamentary Committee on Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs has held a high-level meeting with a delegation from the international ocean conservation organization, Oceana Global, to discuss the group’s upcoming expansion into Ghana.
The meeting, led by the Committee’s Chairman, Dr. Godfred Seidu Jasaw, brought together key figures from Oceana, including CEO James Simon, Chief Scientist and Senior Vice President Kathryn Matthews, and Senior Research Director Tess Geers.
Central to the discussions was Oceana’s plan to establish its first African operational base in Ghana, marking a significant milestone for the organization’s presence on the continent. Talks focused on how this new partnership can bolster sustainable fisheries management, accelerate the implementation of Ghana’s newly enacted Fisheries Act, and advance the nation’s broader Blue Economy Strategy.
While emphasizing the need for robust conservation efforts, the Committee underscored the critical importance of balancing environmental goals with the protection of livelihoods for artisanal fishers and vulnerable coastal communities.
Committee members expressed strong optimism that sustained collaboration with Oceana will be instrumental in advancing sustainable ocean governance. Such a partnership, they noted, is expected to reinforce Ghana’s food security, enhance economic resilience, and secure the long-term health of its marine resources for future generations.
The meeting signals a proactive step by Ghana to engage with international partners in the stewardship of its marine ecosystems.
Ghanamps.com