Ghana Extends Blue Economy Bill Consultations to Middle and Northern Belts
The national consultation on the draft Ghana Blue Economy Commission Bill, 2026 has been extended to the middle and northern belts of the country, with key representatives gathering in Kumasi for a two-day engagement.
The consultation forms part of efforts to shape a coordinated framework for the sustainable development and governance of Ghana’s blue economy.
In his opening remarks, the Coordinator of the Blue Economy Secretariat, Mr Fred Antwi Boadu, said the engagement was critical to ensuring that perspectives from across the country were reflected in the proposed legislation.
He explained that the draft Bill will establish the legal and institutional framework for the coordinated governance of Ghana’s marine, coastal and inland water resources.
According to him, the consultation is being undertaken within a defined timeline, with the process expected to progress from stakeholder engagements to discussions with Parliament’s leadership on key issues, national validation, Cabinet consideration and subsequent consideration by Parliament.
The Kumasi engagement brought together a broad coalition of experts and leaders from academia, regional and local government, civil society, development agencies, the private sector, maritime authorities and fishing industry associations to deliberate on and refine the Bill ahead of its submission to Parliament.
Regional leadership represented at the consultation included Andy Ampofo, representing the Ashanti Regional Minister; Joseph Addae Akwaboa Esq., Bono Regional Minister; Salisu Be-Awribe, Savannah Regional Minister; John Kwadwo Gyapong, Oti Regional Minister; Ibrahim Tia, North East Regional Minister; and Akamugri Donatus Atanga, Upper East Regional Minister.
Also participating were members of the Legal and Institutional Committee, including the Member of Parliament for Upper Manya Krobo, Mr Bismark Tetteh Nyarko, and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), Professor Elvis Asare-Bediako, alongside other technical experts.
Municipal Chief Executives for Krachi East and West, Mr Safo Nketia and Mr Prosper Kwaku Addo, were also present.
Participants provided technical inputs and recommendations aimed at strengthening the Bill, with particular attention to environmental sustainability, effective institutional coordination and balanced economic development.
The consultation forms part of the broader national stakeholder engagement process to build consensus around the proposed Ghana Blue Economy Commission and establish a coordinated institutional framework to unlock the sustainable economic potential of Ghana’s marine, coastal and inland water resources.
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