The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MoFAD), with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the African Union Commission (AUC), have organized an inception meeting to kick-start the development of Ghana’s Blue Economy Commission (Enabling) Bill.

The meeting held virtually, brought together representatives from government ministries, departments and agencies, and development partners, to discuss the proposed work plan, implementation approach and stakeholder engagement process. The Blue Economy Commission (Enabling) Bill, will provide a coordinated legal and institutional framework to guide the country’s sustainable blue economy development.

The development of the Bill falls under the Blue Economy Project of UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Africa, funded by the European Union (EU). Through collaboration with the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MoFAD) and the African Union Commission (AUC), UNDP is supporting to strengthen governance of Ghana’s blue economy through the development of policies, legal frameworks and institutions that promote the sustainable use of marine and aquatic resources while advancing economic growth, job creation and environmental protection. 

Opening the meeting, Mr. Fred Antwi, Executive Director of the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, highlighted Ghana's progress in advancing its green and blue economy agenda. He noted that the proposed legislation will provide the legal framework needed to strengthen coordination, improve governance and support the sustainable management of the country's marine and aquatic resources.

"Developing the Blue Economy Commission Bill is more than drafting legislation; it is about creating the legal foundation needed to coordinate Ghana's blue economy and ensure that our marine and aquatic resources contribute to sustainable national development. This process will only succeed through broad stakeholder participation and collaboration," he noted.

He also acknowledged the technical and financial support provided by UNDP and the African Union Commission, describing the partnership as critical to advancing Ghana's blue economy objectives.

Dr. Abdul-Razak Saeed, Head of the Environment and Climate at UNDP Ghana, reaffirmed UNDP's commitment to supporting the Government of Ghana in achieving its development priorities.

He noted that UNDP works with government across different development sectors to help achieve national priorities by providing technical and policy advisory support, and fostering national and global strategic partnerships.

"At UNDP, we believe that strong partnerships are essential to achieving sustainable development. We are excited to support the Government of Ghana in developing this important legislation and will continue to provide technical expertise and strategic support to help build an inclusive and effective framework for the country's blue economy".

He further acknowledged the strong participation from government institutions, noting that collaboration across sectors would be essential to developing an inclusive and effective legal framework for Ghana's blue economy.

Dr. Godwin Djokoto, an Ocean Governance and Maritime Law Expert, Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana and consultant for the development of the bill, outlined the process, including reviewing relevant national, regional and international legal frameworks; identifying legal and institutional gaps; preparing the draft Blue Economy Commission (Enabling) Bill; facilitating stakeholder consultations; and finalising the Bill.

He explained that the initial draft of the Bill is expected to be completed within 30 days, followed by consultations with key stakeholders, including representatives of government, civil society, academia, traditional authorities, the private sector, youth groups and other interested parties. The consultations will help ensure that the Bill reflects national priorities and commands broad stakeholder ownership.

The inception meeting set the Bill-development process in motion, with the next phase centred on drafting and broad stakeholder consultation. The process is expected to produce a nationally owned framework capable of translating Ghana’s blue economy ambitions into coordinated action and lasting benefits for people, livelihoods and the environment.