The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Hon. Emelia Arthur has underscored the need to address Ghana’s persistent fisheries and oceans data deficit through strengthened scientific research, improved data collection, digital systems, and enhanced institutional capacity.Buy Maps

Speaking at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Oceans for Development Programme, a collaborative initiative between the Governments of Ghana and Norway, the Minister emphasised the importance of building sustainable national capacity to generate, manage, and translate scientific data into evidence-based decisions and measurable outcomes.

Hon. Emelia Arthur during the MoU signing

“We must address Ghana’s persistent fisheries and oceans data deficit by strengthening scientific research, data collection, digital systems, and institutional capacity to translate data into evidence-based decisions and measurable impact. Our goal must be to build lasting national capacities and demonstrate tangible results that support sustainable fisheries management and effective ocean governance,” Hon. Emelia Arthur stated.

The MoU was signed by the Deputy Minister for Finance, Hon. Thomas Nyarko Ampem, on behalf of the Government of Ghana, and H.E. Dr. John Mikal Kvistad, the Norwegian Ambassador to Ghana, representing the Government of Norway. The signing ceremony took place at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Finance.Manage Fish Farms

The Oceans for Development Programme is expected to strengthen cooperation between Ghana and Norway in advancing scientific research, improving fisheries and ocean data systems, and building institutional capacity to support sustainable management of marine resources.

The initiative also underscores the importance of reliable scientific information in shaping policies, strengthening ocean governance, and promoting the sustainable development of Ghana’s blue economy.
Credit:Fisheries GH