The government is strengthening regulatory frameworks and enforcement mechanisms to safeguard Ghana’s marine sector, the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, has said.

She also called for clear coordination protocols and stronger partnerships to advance a sustainable and equitable future for the oceans.

Her remarks were contained in a speech read on her behalf at the sixth Ocean Centres Ghana workshop held in Accra on Thursday.

The workshop, on the theme: “Safer Fishing, Stronger Livelihoods: Vessel Safety, Worker Welfare, and Emergency Readiness in Ghana’s Fisheries,” provided a platform for participants to share knowledge, exchange ideas and strengthen collaboration to enhance safety along the ocean value chain.

Mrs Arthur described the theme as timely, stating: “If safety fails, everything else fails.”

She underscored the importance of preserving and sustainably managing ocean and marine resources amid climate change, pollution and overfishing.

“We must unite to create innovative solutions that can safeguard the future of our oceans for generations,” she said.

The Minister noted that Ghana’s coastal and marine ecosystems were critical to the economy and the well-being of citizens.

“Safety cannot be imposed; it must be understood, accepted, and practiced. Worker welfare must be central to the discussions,” she added.

Mrs Arthur assured stakeholders of Government’s commitment to supporting safety initiatives within the ocean sector.

Mr Tolu Lacroix, Executive Director of the UN Global Compact Network Ghana, expressed concern about accidents in the sector and called for urgent measures to address the situation.

He advocated the development of a comprehensive policy framework to protect the safety of fishermen operating at sea.

Research findings shared at the workshop indicated that about 14,000 fishing vessels operated in the country, predominantly artisanal boats, employing more than 300,000 people.

The findings further showed that nine out of 10 fishermen were prone to injuries, highlighting the urgent need for improved safety standards and infrastructure.

Nana Boakye Boampong, Country Lead of Ocean Centres Ghana, called for enhanced safety infrastructure to address existing gaps in the sector.

He reiterated that the objective of Ocean Centres Ghana was to create opportunities to influence standards, policies and regulatory requirements within the fisheries sector.

Mr Boampong also called for multi-stakeholder collaboration platforms to support the transition towards safer and more sustainable ocean economies.

Participants at the workshop urged stronger synergy among stakeholders to effectively address safety challenges and promote worker welfare across Ghana’s marine sector.