On Tuesday, August 19, 2025, Hen Mpoano, in partnership with the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (Public Relations Department), Fisheries Commission HQ, and Fisheries GH, convened a validation workshop at the Akroma Plaza Hotel in Takoradi.
The purpose of the workshop was to review and validate a draft Communication, Engagement, and Outreach Strategy that is being developed for Ghana’s first prospective Marine Protected Area (MPA) at within the Greater Cape Three Points Area.
The session began with a refresher on progress made so far toward MPA establishment and implementation, followed by a comprehensive presentation of the draft strategy. This presentation outlined its rationale, key principles, audiences, communication channels, tools, gender and social inclusion considerations, and phased implementation plan.
Participants then broke into groups representing communities already engaged, communities yet to be engaged, fisher associations, and government agencies. These breakout sessions allowed each stakeholder group to critique and refine the draft document, offering valuable recommendations to ensure clarity, inclusivity, and cultural relevance.
The plenary discussions brought these perspectives together into a strong, consensus-driven framework that will serve as the backbone of Ghana’s MPA communication efforts.
Community members present also confirmed that the draft strategy truly reflected the feedback they had shared in earlier consultations. They expressed appreciation for the open communication and transparency demonstrated throughout the process and noted their optimism that the initiative would “bring back the old days of bountiful harvests” for fishing families.
In closing, Hen Mpoano emphasized the significance of this milestone for marine governance in Ghana.
“This strategy is intentional it is designed to ensure that communication around MPAs is clear, inclusive, and community-centered. It will guide awareness creation and outreach across the 21 prospective MPA communities, fishing coastal communities and the whole nation of Ghana as a whole” said Doe-Bona Mensah, Communications Officer at Hen Mpoano.
Hen Mpoano extends sincere appreciation to the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation for funding this important process, ensuring that Ghana’s MPAs have a strong communication backbone and to all participants for attending this workshop.
