Ghana is calling for deeper regional cooperation to unlock the economic potential of West Africa’s marine and freshwater resources.

The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Emelia Arthur, appealed to the National Fisheries Investment Conference Liberia 2026 – KPONGAMA, where she urged countries to treat the blue economy as an immediate opportunity rather than a distant goal.

Speaking at the opening session, the Minister said the future of Africa’s fisheries and maritime sector depends on collaboration, sustainable management, and deliberate policy choices.

“The blue economy is not tomorrow’s promise – it is today’s opportunity,” she said, emphasising that West African countries must work together to protect shared waters and harness them for development.

The conference, held under the theme “Unlocking the Blue Horizon: The Future of Fisheries and the Blue Economy,” brought together government representatives, investors, development agencies and fisheries stakeholders from across the sub-region.

Discussions centred on investment prospects and sustainable ways of growing the region’s marine and inland water resources.

Emelia Arthur commended Liberia for placing the blue economy at the centre of its national development agenda, describing the move as a “declaration of intent” to convert marine resources into prosperity and resilience.

She added that Ghana sees Liberia not only as a neighbour but as a committed partner in strengthening ocean-based economies across the region.

Ghana’s Blue Economy Strategy

Sharing Ghana’s experience, the Minister explained that the country’s blue economy agenda has been shaped by scientific research, stakeholder consultation and strong political backing.

She revealed that Ghana’s National Blue Economy Strategy has secured Cabinet approval and is now moving into implementation.

The strategy is anchored on six priority pillars:
• Blue Wealth
• Blue Health
• Blue Knowledge
• Blue Finance
• Blue Equity
• Blue Safety and Security

She noted that building a viable blue economy requires effective governance structures, strong institutions and coordinated management of ocean spaces.

Call for Regional Action

Emelia Arthur stressed that countries along the Atlantic coast share fish stocks, coastlines and climate vulnerabilities, making regional cooperation a necessity. She said West Africa has a chance to build a blue economy that is “regenerative, coordinated and beneficial for generations yet to come.”

She also reminded participants that the success of the blue economy must ultimately be measured by its impact on people—through jobs, food security, resilience and inclusive economic growth—not merely by the volume of marine resources extracted.

The Liberia 2026 conference is expected to deepen partnerships, mobilise investment and support sustainable fisheries and blue economy development across West Africa, as countries seek new ways to safeguard livelihoods and boost economic transformation.