The Senior Advisor to the President on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Dr. Nii Moi Thompson, has met with the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Hon. Emelia Arthur, in Accra to advance efforts toward harmonising Ghana’s Blue Economy Strategy (BES) and the Sustainable Ocean Plan (SOP).
The high-level engagement forms part of government’s ongoing actions to strengthen policy coherence, enhance institutional coordination, and ensure effective implementation of Ghana’s ocean and blue economy agenda in line with national development priorities and the SDGs.
Dr. Thompson proposed the immediate establishment of a Joint Technical Committee comprising representatives from the Blue Economy Secretariat and the SDGs Advisory Unit. The Committee will align activities, indicators, and progress-tracking mechanisms under both frameworks, providing coordinated implementation and timely policy support to the Presidency, particularly ahead of international ocean-related engagements.
Proposed Membership of the Joint Technical Committee
- Ms. Eyram Agbemava – Technical Advisor, SDGs Advisory Unit (Office of the President)
- Mr. Fred K. Antwi-Boadu – Coordinator and Focal Person, Blue Economy Secretariat (MOFA)
- Prof. Berchie Asiedu – Deputy Executive Director (Technical), Fisheries Commission
- Ms. Patience Ampomah – Senior Planning Analyst, National Development Planning Commission (NDPC)
- Ms. Jacqueline Aheto – Assistant Director I, Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture
Hon. Emelia Arthur welcomed the proposal and pledged full support for the Committee’s formation. She underscored the importance of inter-sectoral collaboration in strengthening ocean governance, promoting sustainable fisheries management, and accelerating the implementation of Ghana’s blue economy priorities.
The Minister further noted that harmonising the two frameworks will enhance efficiency, reduce duplication of efforts, and ensure Ghana presents a unified national position on ocean and blue economy issues at both regional and global levels.
This harmonisation initiative marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s commitment to sustainable marine resource management, climate resilience, food security, and inclusive economic growth, while reinforcing the country’s leadership role in global ocean governance and sustainable development.
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