18/03/2025

Hen Mpoano recently had the honor of hosting a delegation from Oak Foundation and Ocean 5, two esteemed international foundations that have been instrumental in supporting the Improving Fisheries Governance (IFG) project and also project managers from Ocean Kind and Waterloo Foundation. The visit provided an opportunity to review key milestones, assess the project’s impact, and explore pathways for continued collaboration as the initiative nears its conclusion in March 2025.

The delegation, comprising program managers from Oak Foundation, Ocean 5, Ocean Kind, and Waterloo Foundation, included Janviera Elena Calisto Ovalle and Imani Niela Fairweather from Oak Foundation, Justine Dossa from Ocean 5, Mariko Kate Powers from Ocean Kind, and Stephanie Elizabeth Stares from Waterloo Foundation. Their presence underscored the commitment of these foundations to ensuring long-term sustainability in Ghana’s fisheries sector and fostering partnerships that drive marine conservation.

The IFG project, a three-year initiative supported by the Oak Foundation and Ocean 5, aimed at strengthening government and industry commitment to improve fisheries governance in key policy areas, including enhanced transparency, law enforcement, collaborative management, and capacity building of key stakeholders in Ghana and the West African region.

During the visit, Hen Mpoano showcased significant achievements under the IFG project, reflecting its deep-rooted commitment to marine conservation and sustainable livelihoods:

• Review of Fisheries Law: Hen Mpoano has been instrumental in reviewing Ghana’s fisheries laws, looking forward to eliminating arbitration provisions to promote transparency and equity in the sector.
• Cessation of Saiko Fishing: Through persistent advocacy and collaboration, Hen Mpoano has contributed to the successful halt of ‘saiko’, a destructive fishing practice that was a leading factor in depleting Ghana’s fish stocks.
• Implementation of Fisheries Closed Seasons: The project has supported the enforcement of closed fishing seasons in Ghana which have been a crucial measure for replenishing fish stocks and promoting sustainable fishing practices.
• Promotion of Beneficial Ownership Transparency: Efforts have been made through this project to enhance transparency in beneficial ownership within the fisheries sector, helping to prevent illegal fishing and ensure accountability.
• Establishment of Co-Management Structures: Hen Mpoano through this project has also supported in the facilitation and formation of management structures among fishing communities, empowering them to participate actively in decision-making processes and fostering stewardship among fishers.

Beyond reviewing project progress, the delegation’s visit was marked by engaging and interactive discussions with Hen Mpoano’s team. Conversations focused on expanding marine conservation efforts, particularly in the areas of mangrove restoration and protection. Recognizing the crucial role of mangroves in coastal resilience and biodiversity conservation, the discussions explored strategies for strengthening mangrove protection initiatives. Additionally, there was a strong emphasis on integrating women more effectively into fisheries governance and marine conservation efforts, ensuring that gender inclusivity remains a core component of sustainable resource management.

The visit also provided an opportunity for the delegation to engage with the HM team and also meet other implementing partners on the IFG project, gaining a broader perspective on the collaborative efforts that have driven fisheries sector reforms in Ghana.

With over a decade of expertise in marine conservation, fisheries governance, and community-led sustainable livelihoods, Hen Mpoano continues to be a leading force in safeguarding Ghana’s coastal and marine ecosystems.

As Hen Mpoano continues to champion innovative solutions and community-driven interventions, the support and partnership of international foundations remain critical in driving long-term, impactful change.

Hen Mpoano thanks the delegation for visiting us and look forward to partnering on future projects.

Article Written By ; Doe Bona-Mensah & Princess-Henritta Attipoe (Hen Mpoano)
Photo Credit ; Doe Bona-Mensah (Hen Mpoano )