Stakeholders Review Draft Ghana Blue Economy Commission Bill to Strengthen Sustainable Ocean Governance

September 8, 2026

Photograph of diverse attendees seated in a bright conference room during a seminar. — Cross Section of Participants

Event Details

Ghana’s marine, coastal and inland water resources support livelihoods, economic activities and communities across the country. Ensuring the sustainable management of these resources requires a coordinated legal and institutional framework capable of guiding the nation’s blue economy ambitions. To support this objective, the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MoFAD), with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the African Union Commission, has developed a Draft Ghana Blue Economy Commission Bill.

As part of the consultative process, MoFAD convened a two-day stakeholder engagement in Accra from 7 to 8 September, bringing together representatives from government institutions, academia, civil society organisations, development partners, the private sector, maritime institutions and fishing communities to review the draft legislation and provide technical inputs and recommendations. The Draft Bill, forms part of ongoing efforts to establish a comprehensive legal and institutional framework for Ghana’s blue economy.

The proposed legislation seeks to establish the Ghana Blue Economy Commission as a central coordinating body to improve collaboration among the diverse sectors and institutions engaged in the management and development of Ghana’s marine, coastal and inland water resources. It is expected to provide a clear governance framework for the sustainable development and utilisation of these resources.

Opening the stakeholder meeting, Fred Antwi Boadu, Coordinator of the Blue Economy Secretariat, highlighted the importance of establishing a strong legal and institutional framework to translate Ghana’s blue economy ambitions into coordinated action. He stated that, “the Bill is more than a legislative document. It is an important step towards translating Ghana’s blue economy vision into a coordinated and enduring institutional framework”.

Black man in blue shirt speaks into a microphone at a lectern in a warmly lit church. — Fred Antwi Boadu, Coordinator of the Blue Economy Secretariat

@Solace Mensah/UNDPGhana

Participants then examined key provisions of the Draft Bill and shared technical inputs and recommendations aimed at strengthening the proposed legislation. Discussions focused on ensuring that the Bill adequately addresses environmental sustainability and climate resilience, promotes sustainable economic opportunities and livelihoods, and safeguards Ghana’s marine and aquatic ecosystems for future generations.

The stakeholder engagement builds on an earlier review by a 19-member intersectoral committee comprising representatives from key ministries and institutions, including the Attorney-General’s Department, National Development Planning Commission, SDGs Office, Management Services Division and Ghana Navy. The committee examined the Draft Bill to identify gaps, clarify provisions and propose improvements.

The inputs generated through the stakeholder consultations will inform the refinement of the Draft Bill as it advances through the next stages of the legislative process. Through its support for the development of the Bill, UNDP Ghana continues to contribute to efforts to strengthen the governance of Ghana’s blue economy and promote the sustainable management of marine and aquatic resources for economic development, resilient livelihoods and environmental protection.

The proposed Ghana Blue Economy Commission represents a significant milestone in establishing a coordinated framework for the country’s blue economy sectors. By strengthening governance and fostering collaboration, the Commission is expected to support the sustainable use of Ghana’s ocean and water resources while creating lasting benefits for present and future generations.