Hen Mpoano extends heartfelt commendation to the Honourable Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MoFAD), Hon. Emelia Arthur, for officially inaugurating a 13-member Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) on 26th May, 2025 to provide strategic direction in the establishment and management of Ghana’s first Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). This milestone marks a significant stride in Ghana’s marine conservation journey and highlights the growing national momentum towards protecting coastal ecosystems, promoting sustainable fisheries, and empowering coastal communities.

Hen Mpoano is delighted to announce that two members of our institution have been appointed to serve on the committee: Mr. Stephen Kankam, our Deputy Director, and Nana Kwesi Agyeman, the Paramount Chief of Dixcove and a newly appointed member of Hen Mpoano’s Board of Directors as of February 2025. Their presence on the TAC underscores our organization’s continued commitment and contribution to national efforts toward responsible marine stewardship.

A Marine Protected Area (MPA) is a designated section of ocean or coastal waters where human activities are more carefully managed to protect marine ecosystems and biodiversity. MPAs are recognized globally as essential tools for combating overfishing, restoring fish populations, conserving marine habitats, and building climate resilience for communities that depend on the ocean.

The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), inaugurated by the Minister, is tasked with offering expert oversight and coordinating stakeholder input to ensure that Ghana’s MPA development is science-based, inclusive, and aligned with long-term conservation goals. Comprising professionals from key sectors ranging from academia, traditional authorities, local governance, and national agencies the TAC’s role is instrumental in developing effective management frameworks for the proposed MPAs.

In her remarks at the inauguration, Hon. Emelia Arthur reaffirmed the government’s commitment to collaborative ocean stewardship and emphasized the critical role of co-management in the success of MPAs.

“Preserving our marine resources is key to safeguarding livelihoods and ensuring long-term sustainability in our fisheries sector.” the Minister emphasized.

The Greater Cape Three Points area in the Western Region of Ghana has been identified currently as the first proposed MPA Designated site. Surrounded by 21 coastal communities whose livelihoods and cultural heritage are deeply tied to the sea. Over 100 MPA managers within these communities have been trained to support the effectiveness and management of this initiative and to help with continuous advocacy campaigns to these prospective MPA communities for their full participation, as their buy-in and support will be critical to the success of the initiative.

Hen Mpoano has spent the past decade working hand-in-hand with communities, authorities, and conservation partners to support Ghana’s MPA vision. Through participatory action research, community mapping, marine education, and stakeholder consultations, we have helped lay the groundwork for this current national commitment. Our team has facilitated MPA literacy campaigns, cluster dialogues, and innovative video-based engagement tools to ensure community voices shape conservation outcomes.

With two representatives now serving on the TAC, Hen Mpoano reaffirms our pledge to continue supporting Ghana’s journey toward formally designating and sustainably managing its first MPAs.

We extend an open call to all stakeholders, government ministries, civil society, donors, researchers, traditional authorities, and local communities to align efforts, share knowledge, and strengthen coordination. Together, we can secure Ghana’s marine heritage, protect our fisheries, and deliver lasting benefits to people and nature alike.

Members of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC)

Written by Doe Bona-Mensah

For updates on Marine Protected Area developments and Hen Mpoano’s conservation initiatives, please visit www.henmpoano.org. and visit our social media handles