Ghana, Norway sign oceans for development agreement to boost sustainable marine resources

Story by: Regina Bless

Ghana is set to strengthen sustainable marine resource management, improve livelihoods and drive long-term economic growth through a new partnership with Norway under the Oceans for Development Programme.

Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, said the initiative would build on the two countries’ experience in implementing the Fish for Development and Oil for Development programmes while advancing Ghana’s broader development priorities and commitment to responsible natural resource management.

He made the remarks on behalf of the Minister for Finance at the signing ceremony of the Oceans for Development Programme Agreement between Ghana and Norway, describing the partnership as an important opportunity to strengthen institutions and promote the sustainable use of the country’s marine and aquatic resources.

“For Ghana, this partnership is both timely and important. It aligns with our development priorities and reinforces our commitment to responsible resource management, institutional strengthening and sustainable economic growth,” Mr Ampem said.

The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation between the Government of Ghana and the Government of Norway, acting through the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad), to support the implementation of Ghana’s Blue Economy Strategy.

Under the arrangement, Norway will provide technical assistance through relevant institutions, with its financial commitments to that support capped at NOK100 million, subject to parliamentary appropriations.

The programme is expected to promote inclusive livelihoods, improve food security and incomes, strengthen the governance of marine and inland aquatic ecosystems, enhance compliance with fisheries and environmental regulations, and combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

Mr Ampem emphasised that the partnership was particularly significant as the government worked to consolidate economic gains, maintain macroeconomic stability and ensure the efficient use of public resources.

He noted that the government had prioritised fiscal discipline, domestic revenue mobilisation and accountability in public spending, stressing that development partnerships must reflect the same principles of transparency and efficiency.

“However, we must recognise that partnership comes with responsibility. The resources and technical expertise provided under this programme must be used transparently, efficiently and in pursuit of clearly defined results,” he stated.

The Deputy Finance Minister called on the Fisheries Commission, the Environmental Protection Authority, the Blue Economy Secretariat and other implementing institutions to ensure effective coordination and professional management of the programme to achieve its intended objectives.

He also expressed Ghana’s appreciation to the Norwegian government for its continued support and confidence in the country’s development agenda.

“As we sign this agreement today, let us renew our commitment to working together, translating our shared ambitions into practical action and delivering lasting benefits for the people of Ghana and Norway,” Mr Ampem said.

The cooperation agreement will remain in force for five years from the date of the last signature, subject to the terms outlined in the agreement.

The initiative is expected to contribute to the sustainable management of Ghana’s aquatic resources while supporting livelihoods, strengthening environmental governance and unlocking the long-term economic potential of the country’s blue economy.