Ghana will create its first ocean protection zone after government talks with fishing villages. The Fisheries Ministry finished meetings with 22 coastal towns across the Western Region. Minister Emelia Arthur says communities strongly back the plan for Greater Cape Three Points Marine Protected Area. The official announcement will come soon based on local support. These protected waters will help fish populations grow back and benefit coastal people.
Arthur met with residents from Egyambra, Princess Town, Cape Three Points, Dixcove, Busua and Akwidaa. Fishers and community chiefs agreed the project will help their waters recover over time. The plan builds on earlier technical studies done by marine experts. Local people want better roads, power, schools and hospitals as part of the deal. Arthur promised to pass their requests to other government departments.
The 2002 Fisheries Act gives the minister power to create marine reserves after community discussions. Ghana announced this goal at an ocean conference in Athens during April 2024. The country wants to meet global targets for protecting sea life and ecosystems. Officials picked Cape Three Points because of its important marine habitats.
The protected area will serve as an example for other coastal zones. Ghana has 550 kilometers of coastline that could benefit from similar protection. The program aims to rebuild fish stocks that have declined over recent years. Marine protected areas give sea creatures safe spaces to reproduce and grow.
Arthur met with residents from Egyambra, Princess Town, Cape Three Points, Dixcove, Busua and Akwidaa. Fishers and community chiefs agreed the project will help their waters recover over time. The plan builds on earlier technical studies done by marine experts. Local people want better roads, power, schools and hospitals as part of the deal. Arthur promised to pass their requests to other government departments.
The 2002 Fisheries Act gives the minister power to create marine reserves after community discussions. Ghana announced this goal at an ocean conference in Athens during April 2024. The country wants to meet global targets for protecting sea life and ecosystems. Officials picked Cape Three Points because of its important marine habitats.
The protected area will serve as an example for other coastal zones. Ghana has 550 kilometers of coastline that could benefit from similar protection. The program aims to rebuild fish stocks that have declined over recent years. Marine protected areas give sea creatures safe spaces to reproduce and grow.
