The UN Global Compact Network Ghana, in collaboration with its partners, on Thursday launched the Ocean Centres Ghana initiative to address regional safety in the sector.
The Ocean Centres Ghana also seeks to address issues through partnerships, innovation, and the alignment of private sector, government, and community efforts with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially goal 14: Life Below Water.
The Ocean Centres, the first of their kind, are hosted by the UN Global Compact, a leading advocate for sustainability in the private sector, and supported by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, a charity dedicated to a safer world.
The Ocean Centres will operate in Ghana, Bangladesh, Brazil, India, Indonesia, Kenya, and Philippines.
Ms Emelia Arthur, the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, delivering her keynote address during the launch, commended the institutions for their vision and quest to foster partnerships that promote ocean sustainability through locally driven action.
The launch was on the theme: “Accelerating the Pace Towards a Safe and Sustainable Blue Economy in Ghana.”
She expressed President Mahama’s commitment to implementing a sound national blue economy strategy and resetting the fisheries and aquaculture sector with a renewed vision of a sustainable and resilient industry.
That, she stressed, was equitable, innovative, and investment-driven, delivering food security, decent jobs, and contributing meaningfully to Ghana’s blue economy.

“As part of our manifesto to come into office, we mentioned under the fisheries and aquaculture section that we will set up a blue economy commission.”
Ms Arthur said the government had set up an inter-sectoral committee for a draft national blue economy strategy, and it was due to submit the report on August 4, 2025.
“Today, we are not just launching the UN Global Compact Ocean Centres.
“We are launching a renewed commitment to collaborative, evidence-based, and locally driven efforts for safe and sustainable ocean industries,” she said.
She said the Ministry would continue to adhere to its mandate to regulate, develop, and safeguard Ghana’s fisheries and aquaculture sector.
Ghana’s coastal communities, she stressed, depended heavily on the ocean, not only for livelihoods and food but also as a cornerstone of the economic and social fabric of the country.
She said the Ministry recently worked to have the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act 2025 passed by Ghana’s parliament.
The Act, she stated, sought to commit to and reflect all the international commitments and standards that Ghana has signed on to for protection and safety in the sector.
Mr Murtala Mohammed, Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, said the launch of the centres was a testament and a duty for all to protect lives and the environment.
He called for an investment in the blue economy space, stressing that the Centre was not just an office but would create opportunities to address the country’s oceans and coastal marine sectors.
Dr Emmanuel Kofi Mbiah, Country Lead, Ocean Centres Ghana, said the Centres would catalyse national dialogues on safe practices across green
shipping, ports, fishing, aquaculture, offshore renewables, and ocean finance.
He said the Centres would provide opportunities for unlocking finance and investment for the blue economy and address safety and sustainability issues in the blue economy.
Dr Tolu Lacroix, Executive Director, UN Global Compact Network Ghana, said the Ocean Centres were a long-term initiative designed by the Compact’s stewardship coalition and partners to identify and address safety and sustainable challenges in the sector.