Protecting our oceans: Ghana must act now

Ghana’s decision to launch a project to prepare for the ratification and implementation of the Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) is commendable.

 At a time when the health of the world’s oceans is under increasing threat, this initiative signals a renewed commitment to safeguarding marine ecosystems for present and future generations.

The project, supported by the Global Environment Facility and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, seeks to strengthen Ghana’s legal, institutional and technical capacity in marine conservation.

With a modest budget of US$175,000, the initiative will focus on policy reviews, stakeholder engagement, technical training and public education.

The Ghanaian Times considers this effort a step in the right direction.

However, it must not become yet another well-intentioned programme that fails to translate into tangible outcomes.

The importance of this agreement cannot be overstated.

Although it focuses on areas beyond national jurisdiction, the benefits directly affect coastal countries such as Ghana.

Our fisheries, climate systems and overall marine health are intricately linked to the wellbeing of these international waters.

 Any degradation beyond our borders inevitably finds its way to our shores.

It is, therefore, encouraging that the project will assess Ghana’s readiness, identify gaps in existing laws and institutions, and propose concrete steps towards ratification.

This is crucial. Too often, Ghana signs on to international agreements but struggles with implementation due to weak institutional frameworks and limited coordination among stakeholders.

The emphasis on stakeholder engagement and public awareness is equally significant.

Marine conservation is not solely the responsibility of government agencies. Coastal communities, researchers, civil society organisations and the private sector all have a role to play.

 Without their active involvement, even the most robust policies will remain ineffective.

We urge the government to go beyond preparation and demonstrate firm political will in ratifying the agreement within a reasonable timeframe.

The processes must not be unnecessarily delayed by bureaucratic bottlenecks.

Furthermore, adequate resources must be committed to ensure that the outcomes of this project are implemented.

Capacity building, enforcement of regulations and sustained public education require continuous investment, not one-off interventions.

We also call on Parliament to prioritise the ratification of the treaty when it is presented.

Protecting marine biodiversity is not a peripheral issue; it is central to food security, economic stability and environmental sustainability.

Ghana must also strengthen collaboration with regional and international partners.

Marine ecosystems do not recognise borders, and collective action remains the most effective way to address threats such as overfishing, pollution and climate change.

In conclusion, this initiative presents Ghana with a valuable opportunity to reposition itself as a responsible steward of the oceans.

The groundwork is being laid, what is needed now is decisive action.

Ghana must seize this moment, not only to ratify the agreement but to implement it effectively.

The future of our marine resources depends on the choices we make today. Let those choices be bold, timely and guided by the national interest.

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