The SDG Advisory Unit and the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) organised a workshop for key stakeholders to validate Ghana’s Sustainable Ocean Plan (SOP).

The objective of the validation exercise was to assess the scientific rigor, practical feasibility, and social equity of the draft ocean plan, with the goal of producing a validated, evidence-based Plan.

This Plan will serve as a robust foundation for the long-term sustainability of the ocean and the development of a national blue economy strategy document for Ghana.

The two-day workshop, held concurrently across four coastal regions, brought together marine professionals, policy experts, civil society organisations (CSOs), and community leaders to critically evaluate and validate the SOP.

Participants examined the Plan’s key pillars, including:
• Ocean wealth: sustainable utilization of ocean resources
• Ocean health: restoring and sustaining healthy marine ecosystems
• Ocean security: ensuring safe and secure conditions at sea for all

The Chairman of NDPC and Senior Advisor to the President on SDGs, Dr. Nii Moi Thompson emphasised the importance of the Sustainable Ocean Plan in balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship.

He noted that the Plan will provide a roadmap to safeguard the health and resilience of Ghana's oceans, guide public and private investment decisions, and strengthen institutional coordination.

He expressed gratitude to partners and stakeholders, wishing them fruitful deliberations and a successful validation workshop.

Delivering the welcome remarks on behalf of the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Mrs. Jemima Lamptey, Regional Development Planning Officer, expressed appreciation to the conveners and participants.

She noted that the oceans provide food, jobs, energy, trade, and cultural opportunities for millions of Ghanaians but face serious threats from pollution, over-exploitation, climate change, and unsustainable land use.

She further emphasised that the Sustainable Ocean Plan seeks to strike a balance between economic development and environmental sustainability, reflecting Ghana’s commitment to sustainably manage 100% of its ocean jurisdiction by 2050.

In a solidarity message, Commander Abu Zakaria of the Ghana Navy highlighted the inclusive process that produced the SOP under the leadership and support of the SDG Advisory Unit.

He explained that the Plan reflects Ghana’s national priorities while aligning with UN SDG 14 (Life Below Water), the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and global ocean science efforts.

He stressed that the validation exercise is not just a formality but an opportunity to confirm the vision, principles, and actions that will guide Ghana’s ocean governance.

Providing an overview, the SOP consultant, Mr. Ebenezer Appiah-Sampong, outlined the size and character of Ghana’s ocean space, including territorial waters, continental shelf, fishing zones, lagoons, estuaries, wetlands, and coastline resources.

He also highlighted key economic and natural resources such as fisheries, offshore hydrocarbons, minerals, ports, cultural sites, and subsea cables, noting that while these contribute significantly to the blue economy, they are under increasing pressure from illegal fishing, pollution, coastal erosion, and climate change.

Mr. Appiah-Sampong further explained that Ghana, as a member of the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, has committed to bring 30% of its ocean space under sustainable management by 2030 and 100% by 2050.