By Franice Tandoh
Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive and sustainable ocean governance at the ongoing Third United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France. The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MoFAD) successfully hosted a high-level side event on Tuesday under the theme “Bridging Conservation Gaps: Integrating Indigenous Practices for Equitable Fisheries in Ghana”.
Held in the Blue Zone, the session brought together global policymakers, civil society actors, researchers, and development partners to explore the integration of traditional knowledge into formal fisheries management systems. Ghana used the platform to showcase its efforts to harmonise scientific approaches with Indigenous ecological wisdom in addressing the growing challenges facing the fisheries sector, including overfishing, illegal practices, and climate change.
Delivering the keynote address, the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Dr. Emelia Arthur, highlighted the significance of traditional systems such as taboo fishing zones, sacred groves, and closed fishing seasons, which she described as vital tools for sustainable resource management. She stressed that these long-standing practices, rooted in the cultural and ecological knowledge of fishing communities, must be formally documented and preserved as part of national governance strategies.
“The fisheries sector remains central to Ghana’s economy, food security, and identity. To bridge the gap between traditional stewardship and formal governance, we must recognise Indigenous systems as central to achieving equitable and sustainable outcomes,” the Minister stated.
Madam Arthur outlined Ghana’s progress under the Co-Management Policy for the Fisheries Sector, which includes the formation of Community-Based Fisheries Management Committees (CBFMCs) and partnerships with national organisations such as the Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council and the National Fish Processors and Traders Association. She also announced the appointment of a seasoned fisherman as an Advisor on Indigenous Knowledge to the Ministry, a move that signals strong political will to elevate the role of local wisdom in national marine policy.
The side event featured a panel discussion moderated by Prof. Berchie Asiedu, Deputy Executive Director of the Fisheries Commission. The panel included Prof. Rashid Sumaila of the University of British Columbia, Canada; Prof. Elvis Asare-Bediako, Vice Chancellor of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), Ghana; Dr. Kristin Kleisner from the Environmental Defense Fund, USA; Dr. Ifesinachi Okafor-Yarwood of the University of St Andrews, Scotland; and Nana Jojo Solomon, President of the Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council. Panelists called for cross-disciplinary collaboration in fisheries governance and recognised Indigenous knowledge as a critical element of conservation science.
Among the key recommendations presented during the session were the urgent documentation of traditional fishing practices, the integration of Indigenous knowledge into national regulatory frameworks, and the inclusion of such practices in educational curricula to promote intergenerational knowledge transfer. Emphasis was also placed on the recognition of inland fisheries, the need for inclusive policy development involving local fishing communities, and the importance of evaluating the socio-economic impacts of fisheries-related decisions. Participants further advocated for balanced management approaches that incorporate both scientific data and traditional wisdom, while calling for stronger partnerships among government institutions, academia, civil society, and Indigenous communities.
Closing the session, the Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr. Murtala Muhammed, commended the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development for its leadership and vision. He reiterated the importance of combining scientific research with community-based knowledge to effectively respond to biodiversity loss, climate change, and livelihood vulnerabilities.
“The health of our oceans is directly linked to the well-being of our people,” he said. “We must blend innovation, science, and traditional knowledge to build a resilient and inclusive blue economy.”
Dr. Muhammed reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to the global 30×30 target, aimed at protecting 30 percent of the world’s oceans by 2030, and called for greater international collaboration, enhanced investment in ocean science, and support for community-led conservation initiatives.
In her concluding remarks, Emelia Arthur called for a new ocean governance paradigm that recognises the ocean as a shared heritage and elevates Indigenous values, leadership, and knowledge in the global conservation effort.
“True sustainability is not only about ecological balance, but also about social equity and cultural integrity,” she said.
Ghana’s active participation in the 2025 UN Ocean Conference affirms its position as a continental leader in advancing inclusive, knowledge-driven, and resilient approaches to sustainable ocean and fisheries management.
