Philip Kwasi Banini has been selected as the 2025 Visiting Research Fellow in Ocean Governance and Law of the Sea at the Norwegian Centre for Law of the Sea (NCLOS) in Tromsø, Norway.
The fellowship is run by the University of Ghana’s Ocean Governance and Research Project (OGP) in collaboration with NCLOS. It will give Mr. Banini the opportunity to undertake advanced research in ocean governance and the law of the sea for two months, from November to December 2025.
His selection followed a highly competitive process that attracted researchers from across Ghana. Mr. Banini presented a research proposal on “Comprehensive Legal Framework for Marine Protected Areas in Ghana,” which aligns with the fellowship’s goal of fostering international collaboration and academic exchange between Ghana and Norway.
During the fellowship, he will conduct independent research, engage with NCLOS faculty, participate in academic discussions, seminars, conferences, and workshops, and collaborate with other researchers on ongoing projects.
The fellowship also requires the production of a publishable research paper or report, to be disseminated by both NCLOS and the University of Ghana. Mr. Banini will present his findings at designated intervals to both institutions. Upon his return, he will be formally affiliated with the University of Ghana’s Ocean Governance Project as a researcher.
The selection committee, which included representatives from the University of Ghana OGP and NCLOS, based its decision on academic excellence, proven research capabilities, and the quality of the proposed research.
The University of Ghana School of Law congratulated Mr. Banini on his achievement, saying they look forward to the contributions he will make to the field of ocean governance and the law of the sea
