By: Sarah Baafi
Ghana is on the brink of a major milestone in ocean conservation and fisheries management, as the government prepares to officially declare the Greater Cape Three Points Marine Protected Area (GCTPMPA), covering 703.86 square kilometres.
The initiative, led by the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture, is being implemented under Section 39 of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025 (Act 1146), and forms part of Ghana’s commitment to the global 30×30 biodiversity target an international effort to protect 30 percent of the world’s land and oceans by 2030.
Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang is expected to officially declare the protected area on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at a ceremony in the Greater Cape Three Points area in the Western Region. The event will bring together government officials, development partners, traditional leaders, and representatives from coastal communities.
The Greater Cape Three Points area is widely regarded as one of Ghana’s most ecologically important marine zones, serving as a vital breeding and nursery ground for fish, as well as home to mangroves, wetlands, and diverse seabed ecosystems. However, years of overfishing, illegal fishing practices, pollution, and climate change have significantly degraded these resources, threatening both marine biodiversity and coastal livelihoods.
Authorities say the Marine Protected Area will not impose a total ban on fishing, but will instead operate a zoning system. This includes core zones where activities are strictly limited to allow ecosystems to recover, alongside multiple-use zones where regulated fishing and other economic activities can continue. The plan also incorporates strengthened monitoring systems to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, as well as ongoing scientific research to guide policy decisions.
The MPA is expected to complement existing fisheries management measures, including the closed fishing season and other regulatory interventions, by providing long-term protection for critical habitats and supporting the recovery of fish stocks.
A key feature of the initiative is its community-centered approach, with coastal populations actively involved in planning and implementation. Government is expected to co-manage the protected area with local stakeholders, ensuring that conservation efforts align with the needs and livelihoods of fishing communities.
Officials anticipate that, over time, the protected area will lead to increased fish catches, improved incomes for fishers and processors, enhanced food security, and new opportunities in eco-tourism and marine conservation.
The declaration marks a significant step in Ghana’s transition toward a sustainable blue economy, emphasizing long-term environmental stewardship alongside economic development.
The project is being supported by a coalition of international and local partners, including Bloomberg Philanthropies, Oceans 5, the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People, UK Aid, the Government of Norway, and conservation organisation Hen Mpoano, among others, providing technical and financial backing for its implementation.
