The University Registrar of the Regional Maritime University (RMU), Dr Baboucarr Njie, has called on stakeholders in the maritime sector to collaborate in addressing threats to the marine ecosystem in order to fully realise the potential of the Blue Economy.
According to Dr Njie, human survival and the future of the planet were intrinsically linked to the health of the oceans, which served as a critical source of food, oxygen and livelihoods for billions of people.
Speaking at the inaugural RMU-Laud Okantey Memorial Blue Economy Lecture Series held in Accra on Wednesday, Dr Njie emphasised the need for a collective and deliberate effort to preserve ocean ecosystems for sustainable socio-economic development.
“Our oceans regulate the climate and are home to an incredible diversity of life. For many coastal nations, the ocean is not just a geographical feature, it is a core part of our identity, culture, and economy,” he stated.
He noted, however, that marine ecosystems were facing unprecedented threats, including climate change, pollution, overfishing and habitat destruction.
In response to these challenges, Dr Njie highlighted the Blue Economy as a strategic and sustainable development approach that aimed to tap into the economic potential of the oceans while safeguarding their long-term health and resilience.
He stressed the importance of building strong partnerships across all sectors to ensure the development of a thriving Blue Economy that could benefit future generations.
“The ocean is not merely a resource for exploitation but a shared heritage that demands responsible stewardship,” he noted.
He underscored RMU’s central role in championing the Blue Economy through maritime education, research and innovation.
The lecture that convened esteemed stakeholders from the government, industry, and academia was also held in honour of the legacy of a visionary maritime professional, Mr Laud Okantey, who recently passed away.
Held under the theme: ‘The Blue Economy: How Can Ghana Benefit for National Development and Job Creation within the Context of a 24-Hour Economy,’ the event also served as a call to action, exploring how Ghana could leverage its maritime resources for sustainable development.
Representing the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Ms Emelia Arthur, Mr Fred Kwasi Antwi-Boadu, Coordinator of the Blue Economy Secretariat, commended the organisers for their efforts towards sustaining the ocean for human survival.
He noted that the event aligned with the government’s vision of a 24-hour economy that fosters continuous productivity, innovation and inclusive employment.
Mr Antwi-Boadu further emphasised the government’s commitment to sustainable fisheries management and called on RMU to take the lead in training professionals, advancing maritime technology and generating data-driven policies.
He outlined the government’s approach to realising the full potential of the Blue Economy which included strengthening governance, policy coherence and institutional capacity, promoting sustainable fisheries management and climate-resilient aquaculture.
Commodore Ben Baba Abdul, who spoke on behalf of the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing, also reiterated the strategic importance of the Blue Economy.
He stated that a well-developed maritime sector would not only enhance environmental sustainability but also drive national security, economic growth and job creation.
BY TIMES REPORTER
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The post Protect oceans to unlock Blue Economy potential – RMU Registrar appeared first on Ghanaian Times.
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