The Minister for Transport, Hon. Joseph Bukar Nikpe, has disclosed that Ghana is aggressively pursuing the development of a robust blue economy, anchored by significant investments in hydrography, oceanography, and marine cartography.
According to him, the nation's prosperity is deeply intertwined with the health and safety of its maritime domain, which supports vital sectors from shipping and fisheries to offshore energy and environmental protection.
Speaking at a seminar on hydrography, oceanography and marine cartography in Casablanca, Morocco, Hon. Nikpe noted that effective management of Ghana's vast and dynamic sea spaces depends entirely on a deep understanding of the marine environment.
"Hydrography is not just about maps; it provides users of the marine space valuable insights into what lies beneath the water surface... it's about saving lives at sea, securing maritime trade, and protecting coastal infrastructure," the Minister stated.
He maintained that the government, under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, is moving forward with a draft National Blue Economy Strategy, currently under Cabinet consideration. This strategy aims to build a "robust, climate-resilient, and inclusive Blue Economy" that harnesses Ghana’s aquatic resources for sustainable growth and national competitiveness.
The sector Minister also disclosed that Ghana is currently in the process of establishing a National Hydrographic Office, which will be expanded into a fully-fledged hydrographic agency designed to maximise the benefits of the blue economy and fulfil international obligations.
Key initiatives already undertaken in adherence to International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) recommendations, he said, included completion of a National Hydrographic Technical Assessment, formation of a National Hydrographic and Oceanographic Committee (NHOC) and ratification of the IHO Convention, he added.
The Minister noted that the Director General of the Ghana Maritime Authority is effectively steering the affairs of the NHOC, with the Ministry of Transport providing the necessary capacity.
The conference, organised by the National Defence Administration and the Royal Navy as part of Morocco’s presidency of the Eastern Atlantic Hydrographic Committee (CHAtO), brings together officials and experts from several African countries and specialised international organisations.
