By:Isaac Amoah

Earth Journalism Network has provided funding support to the Ghana Agricultural and Rural Development Journalists Association (GARDJA) to implement a nationwide journalism-led project titled “Save Our Sea (SOS) Campaign”, aimed at tackling illegal fishing and promoting marine conservation in Ghana over a 6-month period.

The Save Our Sea (SOS) Campaign is a coordinated national media intervention designed to expose, challenge and ultimately help reduce illegal fishing practices, including saiko, bottom trawling, light fishing and the use of destructive fishing gear, which continue to threaten Ghana’s marine ecosystem and coastal livelihoods.

Speaking on the support, GARDJA President, Richmond Frimpong, noted that the funding from Earth Journalism Network will strengthen the role of journalism as a tool for environmental accountability, public education and policy influence in the fisheries sector.

Richmond Frimpong, GARDJA President

Project Components:

As part of the campaign, GARDJA will implement a range of activities, including:
Capacity Building for Journalists:

Specialised training workshops will be organised to equip journalists with knowledge in marine ecology, fisheries laws, investigative reporting techniques, environmental data analysis, and safety at sea. This will build a sustainable pool of journalists with expertise in marine and fisheries governance.

Establishment of a Marine Reporters Forum (MRF):
GARDJA will create a Marine Reporters Forum (MRF), a dedicated network of journalists from print, radio, television, and digital platforms committed to sustained, evidence-based reporting on marine and coastal issues. The Forum will facilitate collaboration, story sharing, and peer learning and will be managed by GARDJA beyond the lifespan of the project.

Investigative and Data-Driven Journalism:
GARDJA members will undertake in-depth investigations into illegal fishing operations, including industrial trawler incursions into the Inshore Exclusion Zone and weaknesses in enforcement systems. Using satellite tracking tools, vessel monitoring systems, and community informant networks, the campaign will produce documentaries, radio discussions, podcasts, photo essays, social media content, and infographics. Stories will be published across major media platforms.
GARDJA will also issue a call for proposals, with selected journalists receiving bursary support to produce high-impact investigative stories.
Community Reporting Tours and Dialogues:

Journalists will visit key coastal communities including Elmina, Axim, Shama, Keta, Ada, Winneba, and James Town to document the experiences of artisanal fishers, women fish processors, youth and traditional authorities. These engagements will culminate in community forums to amplify local voices and foster dialogue.
Policy Engagement and Accountability Journalism:
The project will convene stakeholder engagements involving journalists, civil society organisations, coastal communities, and relevant institutions to ensure evidence from investigations informs policy decisions, enforcement actions, and legislative reforms.

Advancing Marine Conservation Goals
The SOS campaign aligns with national and global marine conservation priorities, including Ghana’s commitment to the 30×30 Marine Conservation Target, which seeks to protect 30 per cent of marine and coast 2030. By exposing illegal practices and strengthening public accountability, the project will contribute to improved governance, transparency, and sustainable fisheries management.

Beneficiaries
Primary beneficiaries include journalists, artisanal fishers, canoe owners, women fish processors, and coastal youth whose livelihoods depend on healthy marine ecosystems. Secondary beneficiaries include policymakers, government officials, and legislators who require credible, independent evidence to inform reforms.

Mr. Frimpong expressed appreciation to Earth Journalism Network for the funding support, describing it as a critical investment in journalism-driven environmental protection and sustainable development.
About GARDJA

The Ghana Agricultural and Rural Development Journalists Association (GARDJA) is a professional network of journalists who report on issues of agriculture, environment, and rural development.

Established in 2014, GARDJA is a member of the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists, the world’s largest association of agricultural communication practitioners, with membership covering more than 60 countries.

The organisation works to increase the quantity and qualityof agriculturee — and environment-focused reporting in the media by providing training, bursary support, research capacity,

Gardgnetworkingopportunitiese, and related support for journalists and organisations. GARDJA also works to influence policymakers for improved environmental policies and programmes to support Ghana’s efforts towards meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).