West Africa unites under Ghana’s new programme for sustainable oceans and blue growth.
Ghana has officially launched the West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme (WASOP), a groundbreaking regional initiative designed to advance ocean governance, combat illegal fishing, and foster a resilient and sustainable blue economy across 13 coastal West African nations.
The launch ceremony, held on Thursday in the port city of Tema, marked a significant milestone for the region’s commitment to protecting marine ecosystems and strengthening cooperation in ocean management.
In her keynote address, Mrs. Emelia Arthur, Ghana’s Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, hailed the initiative as “a defining moment in our collective journey to secure the health of our oceans, strengthen the resilience of our fisheries, and safeguard the prosperity of our coastal communities.”
Mrs. Arthur expressed profound gratitude to the European Union (EU) for funding the programme and selecting Ghana as a central partner in its implementation. She noted that WASOP will serve as a catalyst for transformative action in marine governance across the region.
A Vision Anchored on Three Core Pillars
According to the Minister, WASOP is built on three fundamental pillars:
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Strengthening ocean governance through coordinated policies, capacity building, and shared management frameworks.
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Reducing illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing by adopting science-based management of shared fish stocks and improving monitoring, control, and surveillance systems.
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Enhancing regional cooperation among West African coastal states to ensure cohesive action on marine resource management and ocean sustainability.
She further highlighted that the programme will focus on “supporting a sustainable blue economy, unlocking new economic opportunities while ensuring inclusivity and climate resilience, as well as protecting and restoring marine and coastal ecosystems, safeguarding biodiversity, and strengthening livelihoods in coastal communities.”
Mrs. Arthur emphasized that the initiative aligns closely with Ghana’s Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025 (Act 1146), and the National Blue Economy Agenda, both of which provide the legal and policy frameworks for harnessing Ghana’s ocean and freshwater resources responsibly and sustainably.
Collective Action for a Shared Ocean Future
Calling for collaborative engagement across all sectors, the Minister underscored the importance of partnerships between governments, fishers’ associations, civil society organizations, and the media.
“Our fishers and coastal communities are not just beneficiaries; they are true partners in this journey. Their active engagement will ensure that WASOP remains locally grounded and regionally owned,” she stated.
European Union’s Commitment to Ocean Health
Representing the European Union, Ambassador Rune Skinnebach reiterated the EU’s strong support for Ghana and the West African region in advancing sustainable ocean management. He warned that IUU fishing continues to rob West African nations of billions of dollars annually, threatening both food security and livelihoods.
“The ocean is our common heritage, and its health is our shared responsibility,” the Ambassador said. “The EU is proud to stand with West Africa in combating IUU fishing and building a blue economy that benefits all.”
Regional Cooperation at the Core
The West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme is coordinated by Expertise France, with implementation support from the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Sub-Regional Fisheries Commission (SRFC/CSRP), and the Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC).
The initiative spans 13 coastal West African countries — Benin, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo — uniting them under a shared vision of sustainable ocean governance and regional prosperity.
A Turning Point for West Africa’s Blue Future
With growing global recognition of the ocean’s role in food security, climate regulation, and economic development, WASOP marks a decisive step toward a more resilient and inclusive blue economy in West Africa.
By integrating science, policy, and community action, Ghana and its regional partners are setting a precedent for collaborative ocean governance — one that ensures the seas remain a source of life and opportunity for generations to come.
West Africa unites under Ghana’s new programme for sustainable oceans and blue growth.
