Ghana Declares First Marine Protected Area at Greater Cape Three Points
Ghana has declared its first-ever marine protected area (MPA), protecting 686 square kilometres of waters along the Greater Cape Three Points area on the country's coastline. Announced on 14 April by Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, the MPA encompasses waters home to 21 coastal communities and has been established in response to scientific evidence pointing to a steady decline in Ghana's fish populations due to increasing pressure on existing stocks. The declaration is anchored in both national and international law, reinforcing Ghana's position in ocean governance and marine conservation.
The Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) described the declaration as a defining moment for Ghana, with CEO Steve Trent noting that a well-resourced and enforced protected area would safeguard vital ecosystems and help secure the livelihoods and food security of millions of Ghanaians for generations to come. The move aligns with commitments made by Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Emelia Arthur upon her appointment in early 2025 to address overfishing, illegal fishing, and inadequate data collection. For the tourism sector, the establishment of Ghana's first MPA presents a significant opportunity to develop marine and coastal tourism offerings built on a foundation of sustainable ocean governance and community-led conservation.
Source: SeafoodSource
