The Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI) has re-emphasized the need to protect and restore the world’s ocean that connects all by taking action locally and on a global scale, inspiring change in management and utilization.
As today marks the World Oceans Day, the ministry believes that a more inclusive plan is needed to ensure that the ocean is preserved. It indicated that to appreciate this year’s theme, there is a need for collaboration between Governments, organisations and individuals to put the ocean first and develop sustainable ocean management plans for effective ocean governance and protection.
“For us in Ghana, in observing the day, the Government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in collaboration with other key stakeholders, will like to reemphasize the need to protect and restore the world’s ocean that connects us all by taking action locally and on a global scale inspiring change in our management and utilization of the world’s oceans.”
Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation
Contained in a statement signed by the Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Kwaku Afriyie, it stated that ocean tides are changing, hence, the need to generate a new wave of excitement towards cherishing and protecting the ocean and blue planet. It explained that as individuals, institutions, communities, MMDAs, MDAs and a nation, it is important to unite in effectively managing, protecting and sustaining the country’s ocean to achieve a bluer and better lifestyle.
“Therefore, let us use this day as a catalyst for social change; to underscore humanity’s connectivity to the ocean, illustrate its cross-sector potential, and chart a path to a cleaner, healthier and sustainable ocean for both ourselves and posterity.”
Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation
Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo has reaffirmed the necessity of strengthening strategic alliances among stakeholders and forging a forward-thinking coalition for improved ocean health and the quickening of community and national development. He indicated that deliberate efforts should be taken to ensure greater and smarter investments into ocean action as Ghana’s ocean-scape is mainly financed through public, philanthropic and donor resources.
“The ocean presents an incredible opportunity to accelerate the development agenda of our beloved country to improve the well-being of our people. The ocean must be at the heart of all our decision-making. We must walk the walk by making a greater commitment to the ocean.”
President Akufo-Addo
To ensure the sustainability of the ocean, President Akufo-Addo proposed five agenda points to contribute to the sustainable management of the ocean to improve the well-being of Ghanaians. With this, he called for the prioritization of sustainable management of the ocean through robust regulations to prevent overfishing and irresponsible fishing practices.
Ensuring sustainability of Ghana’s ocean
Furthermore, he emphasized the need to deepen strategic partnerships to enhance ocean health by calling on the private sector, academia, CSOs, and community leaders to play a critical role.
Additionally, the President stressed the need to ensure greater and smarter investment in ocean management through public-private partnerships.
Emphasizing the need for more investments in research, technological advancements, and innovations, President Akufo-Addo stated that this will help address the challenges facing the ocean, while urging stakeholders to recognize the interconnectedness of the global community and international collaborations to leverage the collective wisdom and expertise of all nations to save the ocean.
This year’s World Oceans Day’s celebration is on the theme “Planet Ocean: Tides are Changing”.
The United Nations General Assembly, by its resolution 63/111 of 5th December, 2008, designated the 8th June of every year as World Oceans Day. The celebration reflects the importance of the ocean for all life forms on earth and has been selected to promote public awareness and actions for sustainable ocean management.
The objective of the celebration is to inform the public of the impact of human actions on the ocean, develop a worldwide movement of citizens for the ocean’s protection, and mobilize and unite the world’s population on a project for the sustainable management of the world’s oceans.
READ ALSO: We Don’t fight Galamsey By Harassing Those Who Expose It- Gyampo To Special Prosecutor
