Hen Mpoano has marked a major milestone in its 13 year journey of impact with the launch of two new two-year initiatives the With Fishers, For Fishers (WF³) and Gender-Responsive Conservation (GRC) projects at the Mensvic Grand Hotel, Accra. The event drew participation from national policymakers, development partners, fisherfolk representatives, and civil society organizations dedicated to advancing sustainable fisheries management and gender equality.
The event, was graced by the Hon. Emelia Arthur (MP), Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, and H.E. John Mikal Kvistad, Ambassador of Norway to Ghana. It brought together representatives from government institutions, development partners, civil society, traditional leaders, and fisher associations, reaffirming Ghana’s shared commitment to sustainable fisheries and an inclusive blue economy.
In her keynote address, Hon. Emelia Arthur described the occasion as “a moment of national renewal and shared responsibility,” emphasizing that both initiatives align with Ghana’s Medium-Term National Development Policy Framework (2026-2030) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 1, 2, 5, 8 & 14).
“We are not here merely to acknowledge challenges,” she said. “We are here to act to reset the course through partnerships that are community-driven, inclusive, accountable, and gender-responsive.”
The WF³ project, funded by the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation, seeks to strengthen fisheries co-management structures and community-based enforcement systems, while advancing Ghana’s first network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The GRC project, supported by the Government of Norway through the IUCN-RISE Challenge, focuses on promoting gender equality and preventing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in fisheries-dependent communities, ensuring conservation efforts are socially inclusive and people-centered.
Delivering remarks at the ceremony, Mr. Kofi Agbogah, Director of Hen Mpoano, reflected on the organization’s 13-year journey of impact tracing its roots from the USAID-funded Integrated Coastal and Fisheries Governance (ICFG) initiative to becoming a national leader in marine conservation and policy advocacy.
“What began as a small coastal governance effort has grown into a movement shaping policies, empowering women, and inspiring communities to steward their own resources,” he said. “Our story is one of partnership and persistence proof that sustainability begins with people.”
Presentations were also made by the Project Managers of the two initiatives Mr. Peter Kuusana Canicius for the WF³ project and Ms. Adiza Ama Owusuaa for the GRC project highlighting the objectives, focus areas, and expected outcomes of each project. Their presentations offered participants an in-depth understanding of how both initiatives would build on Hen Mpoano’s legacy of community engagement, research, and advocacy to create lasting impact.
Further remarks were shared by implementing partners CEWEFIA and The Ark Foundation, who outlined their organizations’ contributions to the GRC project, including community training, empowerment initiatives, and gender-based advocacy at the grassroots level.
As part of the event, Hen Mpoano mounted an interactive visual showcase dubbed “Our Walls of Impact”, featuring four themed boards that captured the organization’s decade-long achievements across its core thematic areas:
- The Wall of Empowerment – Gender & Social Inclusion
- The Wall of Impact – Fisheries Governance
- The Wall of Restoration – Coastal & Wetland Conservation (Forests & Wildlife)
- The Wall of Innovation – GIS, Land Use & Innovation
Participants explored these “walls” and interacted with staff members, gaining firsthand insights into how Hen Mpoano’s fieldwork and partnerships have driven real change across Ghana’s coast. The launch also featured a short documentary where community members shared heartfelt testimonies on how Hen Mpoano’s interventions have improved their livelihoods and restored hope to fishing communities.
A solidarity message from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) managers of the GRC project under the RISE Challenge was also played for participants, reaffirming IUCN’s continued partnership with Hen Mpoano and commitment to advancing gender-responsive conservation across West Africa.
The unveiling of the projects was symbolically performed by H.E. John Mikal Kvistad, Ambassador of Norway to Ghana, alongside Hon. Emelia Arthur and Hen Mpoano’s leadership, marking a renewed phase of partnership for people and Ghana’s Fisheries Sector.
Hen Mpoano extends its deepest appreciation to its Board Chair, Dr. Kwame Koranteng, and Board Members for their continuous guidance; to our implementing partners CEWEFIA and The Ark Foundation; and to our valued donors the Government of Norway, the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation, and IUCN for their steadfast support.
As we celebrate 13 years of coastal impact, we reaffirm our commitment to building collaborations that empower communities, strengthen ecosystems, and secure Our Coast, Our Future.
Written by Doe Bona-Mensah
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