Ghana to Establish First Marine Protected Area at Greater Cape Three Points
Ghana is set to establish its first Marine Protected Area (MPA) at Greater Cape Three Points on Tuesday, April 14, in a major step towards strengthening marine conservation and promoting sustainable fisheries management.
The Vice President, Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, is expected to formally declare the area as part of government’s broader strategy to safeguard marine ecosystems and support the growth of the blue economy.
According to officials at the Vice Presidency, the initiative is aimed at reversing the decline in fish stocks, protecting marine biodiversity, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of Ghana’s fisheries sector.
The intervention is also expected to improve livelihoods in coastal communities by enhancing fish availability over time and reinforcing national food security.
The designation of the MPA follows Cabinet approval in October 2025, signalling a significant policy shift towards more sustainable ocean governance.
Located along the Western Region coastline between Ampatano and Domunli, the protected area spans an estimated 700 square kilometres of critical marine and coastal ecosystems.
The area serves as a key breeding and nursery ground for commercially important fish species such as sardinella, anchovies and mackerel.
It also functions as a migratory route for marine mammals including whales and dolphins, while providing nesting grounds for endangered sea turtles.
The establishment of the MPA is expected to contribute to rebuilding fish stocks and enhancing resilience within Ghana’s marine ecosystem, amid increasing concerns over overfishing and environmental degradation.
