The Minister for the Interior, Henry Quartey, has urged African governments to invest deliberately in strengthening state agencies responsible for maritime delimitation.
According to him, this is essential for securing Africa’s maritime domain and ensuring sustainable management of the continent’s ocean resources.
Speaking on the opening day of the maiden International Conference on Ocean Governance at the University of Ghana on September 3, Mr. Quartey emphasised the need for African countries to develop comprehensive maritime policies that align with both regional and international frameworks.
The three-day conference, themed “Emerging Issues in Maritime Delimitation and Ocean Governance in Africa: Bridging Law, Policy, Science, and Practice,” offers participants an opportunity to discuss the importance of establishing clear and equitable maritime boundaries.
It also aims to explore how countries can balance economic development with environmental sustainability while addressing threats such as piracy and unregulated fishing, which jeopardise maritime security.
Mr. Quartey stressed the importance of strengthening legal frameworks, promoting regional cooperation, enhancing maritime surveillance, prioritising environmental protection, and engaging in diplomatic negotiations.
“Africa must develop and implement effective policies that balance economic development with environmental sustainability, leveraging scientific research to inform decision-making,” he said.
He noted that African nations face challenges in defining territorial limits and managing maritime resources due to unclear boundaries and a lack of resources, technology, and expertise.
He highlighted the urgent need for clear maritime boundaries to avoid conflicts and protect the continent’s maritime domain. The Ghana Boundary Commission, he said, is actively working to enhance the integrity of Ghana’s maritime domain through ongoing surveillance and partnerships.
“The Ghana Boundary Commission, in partnership with Ivorian counterparts, is engaging relevant stakeholders to construct a lighthouse at the landmark boundary terminals in the Western Region,” Mr. Quartey revealed, explaining that the initiative would enhance maritime safety and prevent disputes between nations.
Speaking on behalf of her boss, Deputy Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Diana Asonaba Dapaah called for strengthening the legal and institutional framework around maritime issues.
“As we continue to navigate the complexities of ocean governance, it is essential that we build and strengthen Ghana’s legal capacity in maritime issues,” she stated.
She further highlighted the vital role legal professionals play in ensuring that maritime laws are aligned with international standards and effectively implemented.
“I call on my colleagues from the legal community to contribute their expertise to support Ghana’s efforts, whether through participation in international forums, providing legal counsel, or contributing to the development of national policy,” she urged.
Ishmael Adjei Browne, Director for Research, Statistics, and Information Management at the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, also emphasised the importance of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, stating they are “indispensable, contributing significantly to food security, employment, and income generation.”
Representing the sector minister, Mavis Hawa Koomson, Mr. Browne expressed concern over the growing threats to the sector’s sustainability, including overfishing, pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change.
“The sustainability of this sector is increasingly under threat due to overfishing (illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing), pollution, habitat destruction, and the adverse impact of climate change,” Mr. Browne noted.
He proposed a holistic approach that integrates law, policy, science, technology, and community engagement.
In her welcome address, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, stressed the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing the complex challenges of maritime boundary delimitation and ocean governance.
She highlighted how the University of Ghana’s Ocean Development Project aligns with the institution’s strategic priorities, focusing on engagement and partnerships that amplify research, teaching, and advocacy on maritime issues.
Further, she acknowledged the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation’s critical role in funding the ocean governance project, which has laid the groundwork for establishing a full-fledged Ocean Governance Centre under the University of Ghana School of Law.
Norwegian Ambassador to Ghana, Ingrid Mollestad, reiterated her country’s commitment to supporting Ghana in protecting its ocean and enhancing its resources. She underscored the importance of safeguarding marine environments to foster wealth and development.
The conference has gathered a wide array of professionals, such as government representatives, scholars, and global experts from different sectors.
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