Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Ophelia Mensah Hayford
The Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Ophelia Mensah Hayford, has called for concerted and collaborative efforts from various stakeholders to ensure the protection and preservation of the ocean.
Delivering a speech during an event to mark World Oceans Day on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, Ophelia Hayford disclosed that human beings are the ultimate beneficiaries of the ocean and called for collective involvement in decision-making processes to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility.
Ophelia Hayford decried some human activities that directly impact the ocean negatively and outlined steps that she believes will serve as a panacea to the challenges.
Addressing the theme for the commemoration, "Awaken New Depth," Ophelia Hayford underscored the importance of renewed conversations and efforts towards the protection of the ocean.
"The ocean is enormous, and we depend entirely on it, but we have only explored about 10% of it, leaving us with limited knowledge about its health and the greater implications and ramifications of human activities on the oceans, which are still largely unknown.
"Ghana adopted the same theme with a focus on exploring a deeper understanding and collaboration among global policymakers, scientists, managers, thought leaders, and change leaders, to significantly address the challenges facing our oceans and renew its commitments to attain positive ocean health.
"The ocean's relationship with humans needs a shift to awaken new depths and focus on research, conservation, and sustainable practices. This year's theme sparks renewed enthusiasm and exploration for ocean management and preservation. Collaboration between governments, scientific, regulatory, and non-governmental organizations is therefore necessary to restore its balance and vitality," she said.
The Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation further enumerated some policies engineered and implemented by the current government to ensure the preservation of Ghana's seas.
"In Ghana, what we have done so far in terms of policies and projects to enhance ocean health and conservation includes: Ghana as a strong party to the Abidjan Convention, which aims at safeguarding the ocean and marine resources; the development of the Ghana National Integrated Ocean Policy, which seeks to manage and utilize Ghana's maritime resources in a sustainable manner; the development of a Sustainable Ocean Plan led by the SDG Advisory under the Office of the President to provide sustainable ocean governance and management; and the adoption of the National Plastic Management Policy to encourage sustainable waste management techniques while reducing plastic waste."
On his part, Ing. Ransford Sekyi, the Deputy Executive Director (Field Operations) at the Environmental Protection Agency, called for further commitment and dedication from stakeholders to the conservation of the ocean.
"As we come together to mark this important day, let us reflect on and commit to a shared responsibility for safeguarding and conserving these invaluable resources for current and future generations.
"Let us Awaken New Depths of understanding, increase our collective action to protect our marine ecosystems, combat plastic pollution, especially single-use plastics, and address the threats posed by climate change. In unity, let us pledge to be faithful stewards of the seas, advocating for their health and resilience.
"We know protecting our oceans is a heavy task in our part of the world, and therefore I urge all of you to play your individual roles, in your small way, to contribute to the journey of a sustainable ocean," he said.
