Resetting the Blue Economy in Ghana
The NDC’s vision for Ghana’s Blue Economy is grounded in sustainability, infrastructure modernisation, and sectoral growth. By addressing the sector’s systemic challenges and fostering collaboration between the government and private enterprise, the party hopes to create an economic environment that supports both business expansion and environmental conservation.
Ghana’s Blue Economy, encompassing fisheries, aquaculture, hydrocarbon industry, maritime transport, and aquatic and coastal tourism, presents a rich but largely untapped source of economic growth. Recognising this, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has outlined an ambitious strategy to revitalise and manage the nation’s marine and inland water resources sustainably.
Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Sustainable Development
Ghana’s fishing industry has long been plagued by unsustainable practices, corruption, and dwindling fish stocks. The NDC’s response involves tighter collaboration with stakeholders and a technological overhaul aimed at addressing these entrenched problems.
- Collaboration and Technology Integration: A key element of the NDC’s plan is partnering with
Landing Beach Committees to combat corruption in premix fuel distribution. The NDC government will shield the premix distribution and sales from individuals and groups who intend to corrupt the premix value chain and make the fishers the focus of premix distribution. By incorporating technology, the system will improve transparency and efficiency, ensuring equitable fuel access for fishers and enhancing operational reliability.
- Blue Economy Commission: Central to the NDC’s vision is the establishment of a Blue Economy
The Commission, which will oversee the sustainable regulation of marine and freshwater resources. For businesses, this represents a commitment to long-term profitability underpinned by sustainable practices
- Aquaculture Enhancement: The NDC also aims to boost aquaculture through improved fish genetics, disease control, and commercial fingerling production. This could see increased yields and reduced risks for fish farmers, enabling them to access larger markets with healthier stock. The NDC will embark on vigorous agenda of cleaning polluted natural water bodies and ring-fencing key water bodies for the purposes of enhancing aquaculture.
- Support for Research and Development: Investment in research and development (R&D) will provide businesses with the knowledge and innovations needed to compete globally. The NDC’s emphasis on R&D will foster more efficient and sustainable practices across fisheries and aquaculture. Particularly relying on local ecological knowledge through collaborative research.
- Women and Youth Engagement: The NDC’s Aqua/Cage-culture Project (ACP) will offer technical and financial support to encourage women and youth participation in aquaculture. This initiative is expected to diversify and upskill the sector’s workforce, providing businesses with a broader talent pool.
- Improved Weather Communication and Law Enforcement: Effective weather communication systems and stricter law enforcement will help fishers better plan operations, reducing losses due to adverse conditions or illegal fishing.
- Alternative Livelihoods and Education: Recognising the need to alleviate pressure on fish stocks, the NDC will also support education in fishing communities and offer alternative livelihoods. This not only preserves the fishing industry but also creates business opportunities in areas such as ecotourism and inland aquaculture.
Infrastructure Development and Market Expansion
A robust Blue Economy requires significant infrastructure improvements. The NDC’s proposals in this area could catalyse growth by modernising the production, processing, and distribution of aquatic products.
- Modern Fish Harbours and Landing Sites: The NDC plans to build modern fish harbours and landing sites with smoking, processing, and storage facilities in key fishing hubs such as Shama and Dixcove as well as other parts in Volta and Greater Accra Region. These upgrades will enhance the quality and longevity of fish products, helping businesses access broader markets and reduce post-harvest losses.
- Inland Fish Terminals and Markets: New inland fish terminals and markets, such as those planned for Adabraka and Kpando Torkor, will improve supply chains, making it easier for businesses to transport and sell fish products across the country.
- Warehousing and Cold Storage Facilities: The NDC intends to support private sector investment in warehouses, cold storage, and packing centres, integrated with the Ghana Commodity Exchange and National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO). These facilities will help reduce wastage and ensure a stable supply of fish for export, enhancing profitability for businesses.
Maritime and Inland Water Transport
The maritime transport sector, critical to the Blue Economy, offers vast opportunities for businesses involved in trade and logistics. The NDC’s plans for port modernisation and waterway development could unlock significant potential.
- Port and Terminal Modernisation: Private sector partnerships to modernise Tema and Takoradi port terminals, along with the development of grain transhipment hubs, are expected to lower operational costs and enhance Ghana’s competitiveness as a regional trade hub.
- Dredging of Volta Lake and Inland Waterways: The dredging of Volta Lake, alongside the introduction of freight and passenger river transport, will create new opportunities for entrepreneurs in logistics, facilitating multimodal transport solutions that cut across land and water routes.
- Desalination Plants and Maritime Services: The NDC’s plans to develop desalination plants and maritime training facilities will improve service offerings in the maritime sector. For businesses providing services to ships and marine operators, this presents an opportunity to enhance Ghana’s reputation as a world-class maritime hub.
Special Economic Development Zones
The NDC’s vision also includes the creation of Special Economic Development Enclaves, designed to encourage investment in fisheries, aquaculture, and ecotourism.
- Volta Basin Development Enclave: The Volta Basin will be transformed into a hub for innovation, with investments in small-scale hydropower, large-scale agriculture, and ecotourism. Entrepreneurs in these sectors can expect a fertile environment for cross-industry collaboration and growth.
- Western Economic Development Enclave: Similarly, the Western Development Enclave will focus on fisheries and ecotourism, offering businesses the chance to tap into burgeoning markets and develop sustainable ventures that align with environmental goals.
Charting a Course for Sustainable Prosperity
As Ghana seeks to fully harness its marine and inland water resources, businesses that align themselves with the NDC’s policies stand to benefit from a wave of new opportunities. The Blue Economy could become a critical pillar of the nation’s economic transformation, offering wealth and job creation while ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources.
The NDC’s proposals aim to transform Ghana’s Blue Economy into a cornerstone of national prosperity by focusing on restoration of lost nature, reforms and institutional reengineering, infrastructure development and collaboration, to create jobs, wealth, and opportunities for businesses and professionals across the sector.
