Source: Karen Antwi
Ghana’s Fisheries Minister, Emelia Arthur, has reaffirmed Ghana’s support for Liberia’s blue economy ambitions, describing the country’s National Fisheries Investment Conference as a pivotal step toward shaping Africa’s maritime future.
Speaking at the event organised by the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority, Ms. Arthur stressed that the gathering represented more than just discussions. “Today is not just about a conference. It is about a country making a declaration of intent,” she said, noting that Liberia was asserting its rightful place in advancing Africa’s maritime agenda.
She underscored the urgency of translating dialogue into action, emphasizing that the blue economy must move beyond theory to implementation. “The blue economy is not merely an opportunity to be discussed, but a future to be built… we can no longer afford to delay,” she stated, amid growing regional calls for sustainable investment in fisheries and marine resources.
Drawing on Ghana’s experience, Ms. Arthur highlighted that building a resilient blue economy requires deliberate planning and coordination. “Transformation does not happen by chance. It happens by design,” she said, outlining critical pillars including policy alignment, scientific research, stakeholder ownership, and strong political will.
She further stressed the importance of robust governance systems, noting that without strong institutions, blue economy ambitions risk remaining unrealised. “A blue economy without strong institutions is only an aspiration, but one with strong institutions becomes a national transformation,” she added.
Ghana recently held a national consultation on its draft Blue Economy Strategy, aimed at fostering innovation, enhancing food security, and protecting marine ecosystems. The policy seeks to integrate key sectors such as fisheries, tourism, and maritime transport into a unified development framework.
The conference in Liberia focused on mobilising investment and strengthening policy direction within the fisheries sector. Stakeholders explored strategies to boost productivity, ensure sustainability, and increase economic returns. The event also marked the launch of Liberia’s long-term fisheries development plan, designed to guide sector growth and attract private sector investment in the years ahead.
