The public has been urged to help in protecting the ocean as the nation continues preparation of a sustainable ocean plan and policy on how to protect the ocean and guiding documents in managing and protection of the ocean.

The Chairman of the Sustainable Ocean Plan Working Group, Mr. Kofi Agbogah, speaking at a stakeholder workshop held in Keta noted that there is the need to address the growing concerns about the state of the ocean and developing a sustainable ocean plan.

Kofi Agbogah noted that the Sustainable Ocean Working Group recognises that the ocean is not only a vital resource for Ghana's economy but also a delicate ecosystem that needs protection, and that with the determination to develop a sustainable ocean plan, they have embarked on a journey that would transform Ghana's relationship with its marine environment.

The story of Ghana's journey toward a sustainable ocean plan serves as a testament to the power of collaboration, education, and dedication by recognising the importance of protecting marine resources and implementing effective strategies.

Mr. Kofi Agbogah noted that to gain support for their initiative, the SOP working group embarked on a nationwide awareness campaign in coastal communities, organized workshops, and engaged with fishermen, explaining the importance of sustainable fishing practices and the benefits of MPAs and also developing a Sustainable Ocean Plan for Ghana.

Kofi Agbogah who is also the Director of Hen Mpoano took the participants through Ghana’s ocean sector with the outlines of Ghana's ocean space, ocean/marine resources , infrastructure, economics , pressures and conflicts /impacts, SOP thematic areas and institutions.

On the blue planet, Kofi Agbogah noted that the planet looks blue from space with the ocean approximately covering 70% of the earth's surface and the earth being 97% water.

On resources Mr Agbogah mentioned ocean, fish and other aquatic organisms, marine productivity , foreshore hydrocarbons [oil and gas ] minerals, energy and climate control and on infrastructure , he mentioned  ports and harbors, oil and gas facilities, naval bases, trans west Africa highway, ports and castles, hospitality facilities /tourism, industries, subsea cables and pipelines.

Mr Agbogah also highlighted on economy, pressures and the impacts of climate and also the Ghana sustainable ocean plan working group [SOP] which is inclusive, integrative and iterative with a global target to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030 and 100% by 2050.

Mr Kofi Agbogah noted that the target is to develop a document for Ghana by December 2025 and work with all stakeholders including the political parties together to have it work.

“The target is to develop a document for Ghana by December 2025. And therefore, we will work with all stakeholders including the political parties [to ensure project continuity],” Mr Agbogah said

The Deputy Director SDG at the Office of the President, Dr. Felix Addo-Yobo said the sustainable ocean plan which is being prepared  will be integrated into the national planning and budgeting process.

”So this is not going to be another stand-alone plan that will run parallel to the national development agenda. It will be integrated into the national development agenda. It will be integrated in the medium term frameworks that NDPC prepares,” Dr Yobo noted.

Dr Felix Addo –Yobo noted that  the various sector agencies and ministries, metropolitan municipal and district assemblies, will tease out relevant sections of this framework for implementation.

”So, the beta relates to, for instance, maritime security. We expect that the military deliver our police and allied agencies will take responsibility for that. The beta relates to ocean tourism, the Ghana Tourism Board Authority and allied agencies will take care of that. So that if everyone comes on board and identifies which component of the plan they have to implement, they will integrate it into their medium term plan and then they are unwell budgetary provisions will go towards the implementation of this agenda” he said

Dr  Felix Addo –Yobo noted that they are  also looking at other institutional modifications that would have to make to make it possible that the SOP will be implemented effectively.

"And it's part of the undertakings that we are doing, and one of the outcomes will be a review of the governance and organizational structures around the ocean," he said.