By Laudia Sawer
Tema, Oct. 17, GNA – Cabinet has approved the establishment of Ghana’s first Marine Protected Area (MPA), located within the Greater Cape Three Point Area of the Western Region.
The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture, announcing this in a press statement, indicated that the approval was given on October 07, 2025.
It indicated that this landmark decision marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s efforts to sustainably manage its marine resources, protect biodiversity, and support the livelihoods of coastal communities that depend on fisheries for their income and food security.
It stated that the establishment of MPAs in Ghana is in line with the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act 2025 (Act 1146), the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy (2022) and the Marine Fisheries Management Plan (2022-2026).
“It also demonstrates Ghana’s commitment to global conservation targets under Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14, which aims to “conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development.”
MPAs are defined geographical spaces within marine or coastal environments that are clearly designated and managed to achieve the long-term conservation of marine life and habitats and ensure their continued ecological and cultural benefits to people and the planet.
MPAs are widely acknowledged for their role in supporting both ecological health and local communities; they help replenish dwindling fish populations, shield endangered marine species, and preserve critical habitats like coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds.
MPAs also strengthen resilience against climate change and encourage ecotourism, offering coastal communities’ new opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.
Touching on the significance of the Greater Cape Three Points MPA, it stated that the area is home to some of Ghana’s most biologically rich and productive marine ecosystems, supporting a wide range of fish species and habitats critical to the survival of artisanal and industrial fisheries.
“The establishment of the MPA will therefore protect essential breeding and nursery grounds; promote recovery of depleted fish stocks; strengthen food and income security for fishing communities; support climate change adaptation and coastal resilience; and position Ghana as a leader in marine conservation within the West African sub-region.
The Ministry explained that the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025 (Act 1146), provides a robust legal framework for the conservation and sustainable management of Ghana’s fishery resources.
The statement said, “Section 39 of the Act empowers the Minister, acting on the advice of the Fisheries Commission and in consultation with relevant organisations, agencies, landowners and district authorities, to declare by notification in the Gazette any part of the fishery waters and seabed as a marine fisheries reserve.”
It added that the advice to establish such a reserve must be based on a scientific assessment.
“Under section (3), no person may, except with the written permission of the Minister (a) engage in fishing, (b) dredge or take sand or gravel, or (c) otherwise disturb the natural habitat within a declared marine fisheries reserve,” it said.
It added that, “The ministry cautioned that anyone who violates these provisions commits an offence and is liable, upon summary conviction, to a fine ranging from one thousand to ten thousand penalty units (for artisanal or semi-industrial vessels), or the cedi equivalent of USD 200,000 to USD 2 million (for industrial and foreign fishing vessels).
In addition, offenders shall forfeit the catch, fishing gear, or other apparatus used in committing the offence.”
The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture reaffirmed sustainable resource use and commitment to promoting responsible fisheries’ governance and the government’s unwavering biodiversity conservation.
“The Ministry will continue to work closely with the Fisheries Commission (FC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), traditional authorities, fishing associations, community members and development partners to ensure the successful implementation and management of Ghana’s first Marine Protected Area.”
GNA
Edited by Benjamin Mensah