Eugene Davis
The Executive Coordinator of the Strategic Youth Network for Development (SYND), Chibeze Ezekiel, has urged the government to increase investment in ocean protection to safeguard livelihoods and drive sustainable development.
As part of activities marking World Ocean Day, SYND, in collaboration with the French Embassy in Ghana and Alliance Française d’Accra, organised a youth-focused event to raise awareness on ocean and environmental protection, while showcasing local initiatives. The event also served as a lead-up to the upcoming UN Oceans Conference in Nice, France.
“This programme aims to highlight the harmful impact of plastic pollution on both the environment and human health,” Ezekiel noted. “As France prepares to host the third UN Oceans Conference, this initiative mobilises civil society and key stakeholders to align local action with global conversations—and to bring those insights back home for implementation.”
Ezekiel also cited research showing Ghana loses approximately $50 million annually due to illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, affecting the over 2 million Ghanaians who depend on the ocean for their livelihoods.
“Imagine what $50 million a year could do for national development. Instead of increasing taxes, we can fund key projects by addressing these avoidable losses.”
He added that the fishing industry is a multi-billion-dollar sector, and investing in ocean protection would reduce government’s economic burden, create jobs, and boost local economies.
“This should be a win-win,” he said. “Real commitment requires real investment—such as deploying patrol vessels and supporting ocean-based livelihoods.”
Julien Lecas, Head of Cooperation at the French Embassy, reaffirmed France’s commitment to environmental protection, ocean health, water issues, and climate action in Ghana.
“We’re working closely with the Government of Ghana on sustainable development, including the ‘Sustainable Cities’ initiative— a joint effort with the UN, EU, and five cities in Northern Ghana,” he said.
He also highlighted support for agriculture, helping farmers understand the impact of climate change on food production and water access, noting that water preservation is a shared responsibility among citizens, businesses, and government.
A French company is partnering with local stakeholders on key environmental challenges. “In Tamale, we’re working with the MCE and the government to manage water flow, prevent flooding, and improve dam infrastructure. We’re also addressing erosion, promoting recycling, and reducing plastic waste. While plastics remain necessary in some areas, recycling offers a practical way to curb pollution.”
Analysts have said healthy oceans are essential to all life on earth. They generate half of the world’s oxygen, regulate climate and provide food for more than three billion people.
Rising temperatures, pollution and overfishing are causing huge damage to the world’s oceans and the communities that rely on them.
The forum comes ahead of the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France, this week, with the events looking at the role oceans play in global trade, food security and sustainable energy.
Chibeze Ezekiel
