Ghana Launches First Marine Protected Area to Safeguard Coastal Ecosystems
Cape Three Points Marine reserve set up to combat overfishing, pollution, and climate change impacts
- Ghana launches first Marine Protected Area at Cape Three Points
- Initiative targets overfishing, pollution, and climate change threats
- Government seeks collaboration for sustainable marine conservation
The government has officially launched Ghana’s first Marine Protected Area (MPA), the Cape Three Points Marine Protected Area, spanning about 700 square kilometres along the country’s coastline.
The initiative was announced by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and Acting Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, who described it as a significant milestone in the protection and management of Ghana’s marine environment.
He cautioned that the country’s coastal and marine ecosystems are facing growing threats from overfishing, pollution, habitat destruction, illegal mining activities, and the effects of climate change. He pointed to the worsening conditions of areas such as the Keta Lagoon, Ada, Sakumono, the Densu Delta, and Muni Pomadze as clear signs of environmental degradation.
According to him, the newly designated marine reserve is intended not only to conserve biodiversity but also to improve livelihoods, build climate resilience, and empower communities that depend on the sea.
The project forms part of the broader West Africa Coastal Areas (WACA) Programme, which has already supported thousands of households in coping with coastal erosion and flooding challenges.
Mr. Buah emphasized the need for strong collaboration among government institutions, researchers, civil society organisations, and development partners to ensure the success of the initiative, adding that it should serve as a model for sustainable marine conservation in the region.
He reaffirmed government’s commitment to balancing environmental protection with economic development while safeguarding Ghana’s oceans for future generations.
