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The Wildlife and Human Resources Organisation (WHRO), Ghana, has called on stakeholders—particularly the government to support its public awareness campaigns aimed at protecting endangered sea turtles.
In a statement issued by WHRO’s Executive Director, Dr Andrews Agyekumhene, following the successful celebration of Ghana National Sea Turtle Week 2025 (GNSTW25), he emphasized that sea turtle conservation is not solely an environmental responsibility for a few individuals but a national obligation for all Ghanaians.
“We must broaden our national consciousness around sea turtle conservation. This is a shared duty that demands the active involvement of government, schools, communities, and every citizen,” the statement read.
“Sea turtles are a vital part of our marine ecosystem, and their survival is deeply linked to the health of our coastal environments.”
Ghana National Sea Turtle Week which was observed from Monday, August 25, to Friday, August 29, 2025, was inspired by the Ghana National Sea Turtle Conference in 2018, which was organized by WHRO in collaboration with ten national and international partners, including the Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences at the University of Ghana, AROCHA Ghana, and the African Space Agency.
According to the organizers, Ghana National Sea Turtle Week (GNSTW25) also featured a series of impactful events designed to raise awareness, build capacity, and engage the public on sea turtle conservation.
GNSTW25 featured a range of impactful activities aimed at raising awareness, building capacity, and engaging the public on sea turtle conservation. Key highlights included:
A nationwide social media campaign that encouraged students, conservationists, NGOs, and the general public to share educational content, turtle facts, and advocacy messages.
Community engagement sessions in the Western Region, where fishing communities received practical training on sustainable fishing practices, including bycatch reduction techniques and proper protocols for reporting turtle strandings.
A high-level national webinar featuring renowned international marine experts such as Manjula Tiwari (USA) and Daniela Freggi (Italy). The webinar brought together over 130 marine professionals, including biologists, students, NGO representatives, and government policymakers.
Virtual workshops focusing on sea turtle health, rescue operations, and rehabilitation techniques.
The 5-Day event held under the theme “Sea Turtle Conservation: Sustaining Momentum beyond the ISTS Legacy,” also brought together over 130 marine professionals including biologists, students, NGO staff, and government policymakers in a virtual workshop.
WHRO also announced plans to continue its annual public education campaigns in partnership with schools, NGOs, and local media outlets every August, to sustain year-round engagement in sea turtle conservation.
“Sea turtles are part of our national heritage. Every step we take now brings us closer to a future where these magnificent creatures thrive in our waters,” the statement added.
