The ocean doesn’t wait for policy. Neither should we. The second Ocean Centres Ghana workshop, hosted by the UN Global Compact Network with Lloyd’s Register Foundation backing, didn’t just talk about safety and sustainability—it put a spotlight on the gap between regulation and reality. This isn’t just another maritime conference. It’s a call to arms for Ghana and beyond to bridge the divide between what’s written in law and what happens on the water.
Nana Boakye Boampong, the Ocean Centres Country Lead, cut straight to the chase: “Legal and regulatory instruments must be effectively implemented to positively impact fishers through safer work and better pay.” That’s the crux. Ghana has frameworks—closed seasons, marine protected areas, gear restrictions—but as participants pointed out, enforcement is the weak link. Boampong didn’t mince words: “The greatest challenge is effective implementation.” And he’s right. Without enforcement, regulations are just words on paper.
The workshop zeroed in on the elephant in the room: blue finance. As Boampong highlighted, Africa’s maritime sector is starved for funding. This isn’t just a Ghanaian problem—it’s a global one. Without investment, even the best regulations won’t translate into safer vessels, trained crews, or sustainable fisheries. Blue finance isn’t a nice-to-have; it’s the lifeblood of maritime transformation.
Dr. Godfred Ameyaw Asiedu, Regional Coordinator for the Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI), laid out the safety and sustainability measures already in place—electronic monitoring, vessel inspections, mandatory first aid training. But he also underscored the need for constant review and enforcement. That’s where technology comes in. As participants noted, digital tools can bridge the gap between policy and practice. Think real-time monitoring, AI-driven compliance tracking, and data-driven decision-making. These aren’t futuristic concepts—they’re tools ready to deploy today.
The workshop didn’t just identify problems; it sparked action. By bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and academia, it set the stage for collaboration. But collaboration alone isn’t enough. As Boampong emphasised, stakeholders must commit to localised solutions. Ghana’s maritime challenges are unique, and so must be the answers.
This workshop was a wake-up call. It’s time to move beyond talk and into action. The ocean doesn’t wait for policy. Neither should we.