24/03/2026
The Centre for Coastal Management - University of Cape Coast, has officially begun the second cohort of its Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Short Course (23rdâ27th March 2026) and Day 1 came with one big question:
Are we doing enough to protect our oceans?
Right from the onset, participants were pulled into deep reflection where Ivy Akuoku-Gyima challenged minds, asking about what our oceans really give us. Food, culture, livelihoods, climate regulation... the list quickly grew. But so did the threats: overfishing, pollution, climate change. The message was clear, we cannot take the ocean for granted. Then came a shift in scale
Stephen Kankam took participants across the world of , breaking down how different countries approach conservation. One key takeaway stood out:
There is no âperfectâ MPA, but stronger protection leads to stronger impact.
Justice Camillus Mensah Mensah also brought the conversation closer than ever. Is Ghana truly a fishing nation and what is the cost of that identity? Through policy discussions, real challenges, and stakeholder roles, participants began connecting the dots between theory and reality and understanding marine life in action.
By the end of Day 1, one thing was certain: This is not just a course, itâs a call to rethink how we protect our blue future.
fans Cefas Hen Mpoano - Our Coast FoN Ghana Cerath Development Organization Canoe and Fishing Gear Owners Association of Ghana Future Earth Journalists for Responsible Fisheries and Environment Nature Steward Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries