Ghana, Norway Deepen Blue Economy Partnership

Ghana has strengthened its drive toward a sustainable Blue Economy following high-level discussions with the Royal Norwegian Embassy on the proposed Ocean for Development Programme.

The Norwegian delegation, led by Ambassador John Mikal Kvistad, met with the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, together with officials from the Ministry and the Fisheries Commission.

The discussions followed Norway's commitment to supporting Ghana's Blue Economy Strategy under the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy.

Priority areas include sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, marine ecosystem protection, digital innovation, blue finance, social inclusion, and maritime security, particularly efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

NORAD officials presented the proposed programme, while Ghanaian officials outlined the country's development priorities.

Both parties agreed to continue technical discussions, appoint focal persons, and develop a comprehensive programme framework before signing a formal bilateral agreement.

The partnership will begin with an inception phase focused on planning and technical cooperation, with the objective of transforming Ghana's marine resources into drivers of sustainable economic growth.