The West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme (WASOP), a ground-breaking regional project aimed at enhancing ocean governance, promoting a sustainable blue economy, and safeguarding marine ecosystems throughout 13 coastal West African states, has been formally inaugurated by Ghana.
The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Hon. Emelia Arthur (MP), presided over the launch event, which took place at the Artisanal Fishing Harbour in Tema. Other notable dignitaries who attended included Mr. Gaston Djihinto, Secretary General of the Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC), H.E. Rune Skinnebach, Ambassador of the European Union to Ghana, and Prof. Benjamin Campion, Executive Director of the Fisheries Commission.
During his speech, Ambassador Skinnebach underlined how urgent it is to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, which costs West Africa billions of dollars every year and jeopardises jobs and food security.
He emphasised that “the ocean is our common heritage and its health is our shared responsibility,” restating the EU’s commitment to aiding the area.
The event was praised as a “defining moment in our collective journey to secure the health of our oceans, strengthen the resilience of our fisheries, and safeguard the prosperity of our coastal communities” by Hon. Emelia Arthur, who spoke on behalf of the Government of Ghana.
She conveyed her profound gratitude to the European Union for providing financing for the program and choosing Ghana as a crucial partner to carry it out.
The Minister explained that WASOP is anchored on three pillars:
Strengthening Ocean Governance, reducing IUU fishing, promoting science-based management of shared fish stocks, and improving regional cooperation.
Supporting a Sustainable Blue Economy – unlocking new economic opportunities while ensuring inclusivity and climate resilience.
Protecting and Restoring Marine and Coastal Ecosystems – safeguarding biodiversity and strengthening livelihoods in coastal communities.
She further noted that the initiative aligns closely with Ghana’s Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025 (Act 1146), and the National Blue Economy Agenda, which together provide the legal and policy frameworks to harness Ghana’s ocean and freshwater resources for sustainable growth.
Overseeing 13 coastal West African states—Benin, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo—the initiative is run by Expertise France with implementation assistance from EFCA, FAO, SRFC/CSRP, and FCWC.
Hon. Emelia Arthur emphasised the need for teamwork and creativity, urging governments, fishermen’s organisations, civic society, and the media to all do their share.
“Our fishers and coastal communities are not just beneficiaries; they are true partners in this journey. Their active engagement will ensure that WASOP remains locally grounded and regionally owned,” she added.
With a goal of resilient oceans, prosperous fisheries, and fair benefits for coastal communities, the introduction of Pillar One on Ocean Governance is anticipated to lay the groundwork for sustained cooperation in West Africa.
Source: newsthemegh.com