Thomas Nyarko Ampem announces NOK100m marine partnership with Norway

Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has announced a new five-year partnership between Ghana and Norway aimed at strengthening the sustainable management of marine resources. The collaboration, facilitated through the Oceans for Development Programme, involves a financial commitment from the Norwegian government capped at NOK100 million. The initiative is designed to bolster Ghana’s blue economy while ensuring the long-term health and productivity of its marine ecosystems.

The programme focuses on several critical areas, including the enhancement of food security and the protection of livelihoods for coastal communities. It also aims to improve the governance of marine ecosystems and provides a strategic framework to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, which has posed significant challenges to Ghana’s maritime sector. By building upon previous cooperative efforts between the two nations, this partnership seeks to foster economic growth through the responsible and sustainable use of ocean resources.

During the announcement, Ampem emphasized the necessity of effective coordination among the various implementing institutions in Ghana to ensure the programme's success. He stressed that for the initiative to deliver on its promises, there must be a clear focus on achieving measurable results and ensuring that the resources provided are managed with high levels of accountability. The Deputy Minister highlighted that the Oceans for Development Programme represents a strategic investment in the country's environmental and economic future.

This five-year agreement underscores Norway’s global expertise in marine management and Ghana’s commitment to meeting international environmental standards. As the programme rolls out, it is expected to provide essential technical support and capacity building for Ghanaian agencies, ultimately leading to a more resilient maritime economy. This partnership aligns with broader national goals to transition toward sustainable development and secure the maritime domain for future generations.