Ghana has taken a major step forward in promoting maritime safety and sustainable ocean governance with the official launch of its Ocean Centre, part of a global initiative driven by the UN Global Compact. The launch event, held at the Africa Regent Hotel in Accra, brought together key stakeholders from government, finance, academia, maritime, and environmental sectors.
This milestone marks Ghana’s formal inclusion in the global network of Ocean Centres, making it the seventh country to join the initiative. The Ocean Centres are designed to be collaborative hubs, tackling pressing regional ocean challenges and advancing sustainable development goals (SDGs) through partnerships and innovation.
At the heart of this initiative is a commitment to improving safety, environmental stewardship, and economic opportunity across vital ocean-based sectors, including:
Shipping and Port Operations
Fisheries and Aquaculture
Offshore Renewable Energy
Blue Finance and Investment Mechanisms
The Ghana Ocean Centre will serve as a platform for cross-sectoral collaboration, policy innovation, and capacity building—essential tools for transforming Africa’s blue economy. The initiative is spearheaded globally by Dr. Kofi Mbiah, a distinguished maritime law expert, and is supported by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, a global charity committed to enhancing safety in critical infrastructure.
Speaking at the launch, participants emphasized the urgent need for regional action to combat climate change impacts on ocean ecosystems, enhance maritime safety standards, and unlock sustainable economic opportunities from the ocean.
As Ghana moves forward with its ocean agenda, the new Centre is expected to catalyze policy alignment, attract investment in ocean innovation, and strengthen the country’s leadership role in Africa’s maritime future.
The establishment of the Ocean Centre not only underscores Ghana’s dedication to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water) but also reflects a growing recognition that the health of the ocean is directly tied to the wellbeing of people, planet, and prosperity.