High-level stakeholder engagements across ports, shipping, fisheries, and maritime institutions strengthen collaboration for safer operations and sustainable ocean economy growth in Ghana
Ocean Centres–Ghana recently welcomed the Ocean Centres Global Lead for an in-country visit from 16th February – 20th February 2026 focused on strengthening collaboration across Ghana’s ocean economy and accelerating practical approaches to maritime safety and sustainability.
The visit created space for direct engagement with key actors operating across Ghana’s ports, shipping, maritime training institutions, fisheries sector, and regulatory bodies. The objective was clear: to ground global expertise in local operational realities and co-design solutions that improve safety performance and long-term sustainability outcomes.
Over the course of the week, engagements were held with a cross-section of institutions and industry stakeholders, including the Ministry of Transport Ghana, Regional Maritime University, Meridian Port Services Ghana, Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement, Ghana Canoe Fishermen Council, Fisheries Commission, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Ghana Merchant Navy Officers Association, Ghana Navy, WorldRecruit Services Limited, and Blue Economy Connect (BEC).
Discussions ranged from boardroom strategy sessions to dockside operational walk-throughs, providing insight into both policy frameworks and day-to-day implementation challenges within Ghana’s maritime and fisheries sectors.
A consistent theme emerged: improving safety standards and sustainability performance in the blue economy cannot rely on policy alone. Solutions must be practical, locally relevant, and co-developed with those responsible for implementation.
Key priorities identified during the visit included:
- Strengthening safety work systems across maritime and fisheries operations;
- Embedding practical risk controls aligned with local operating conditions;
- Enhancing leadership and workforce training to reflect operational realities;
- Advancing sustainability measures that protect livelihoods while safeguarding marine ecosystems.
The visit reinforced Ghana’s strategic role within the West African blue economy and highlighted the importance of sustained collaboration among regulators, operators, unions, training institutions, and community leaders.
Ocean Centres–Ghana remains committed to supporting locally led, evidence-informed initiatives that raise maritime safety standards and strengthen sustainable ocean governance across the sector.
Stakeholders across ports, shipping, fisheries, training, finance, insurance, and regulatory institutions are encouraged to engage with Ocean Centres–Ghana as this work continues to scale.
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