Accra, Ghana
The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Hon. Emelia Arthur, has inaugurated a 13-member Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) to provide strategic guidance and oversight on the establishment and management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) under the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture and the Fisheries Commission.
In her address, Hon. Emelia Arthur emphasized the crucial role of MPAs in ensuring sustainable fisheries management, conserving marine biodiversity, and improving the livelihoods of coastal communities. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to participatory and science-based approaches in managing marine resources.
The core mandate of the committee is to support the Ministry and the Fisheries Commission in policy formulation, stakeholder coordination, and technical guidance regarding the implementation and monitoring of MPAs across the country.
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are designated zones in marine and coastal environments aimed at:
• • Conserving marine biodiversity;
• • Replenishing fish stocks;
• • Supporting the resilience of coastal ecosystems and local livelihoods.
MPAs in Ghana will be managed collaboratively, with active participation from local communities, traditional authorities, and relevant stakeholders in the fisheries sector.
The newly inaugurated Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) is composed of distinguished professionals and institutional representatives with expertise in marine science, environmental planning, governance, and community engagement:
Name Institution Designation
Dr. Evans Kwasi Arizi University of Cape Coast Chair, TAC
Esi B. Quayson Fisheries Commission Director (Vice Chair)
Emmanuel Dovlo Fisheries Commission Director, FSSD
Armah Michael Ghana Hydrological Authority Engineer
Malcolm Yensaw Ahanta West Municipal Assembly Development Planner
Peace D. Gbeckor-Koe Environmental Protection Agency Principal/Programme Planner
Ebenezer Ntsiful Land Use & Spatial Planning Authority Head, GIS
Prof. F.K.E. Nunoo University of Ghana – Dept. of Marine & Fisheries Member
Nana Jojo Solomon Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council (GNCFC) Member
Ismael Nii Adjei Browne Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture(MoFA) Director, RSIM
Abena Serwah Asante Fisheries Commission Deputy Director, MFMD
Stephen Kankam Hen Mpoano Deputy Director
Nana Kwesi Agyeman – Member, TAC
The Ministry extends its appreciation to all committee members for their willingness to serve and contribute to the long-term sustainability of Ghana’s marine environment.
source:www.senaradioonline.com
