A delegation from the University of Ghana’s (UG) Marine Science Department has conferred with the Ghana Navy on a new initiative dubbed Ocean Margins Initiative (OMI) project – a collaborative research effort aimed at promoting sustainable management of Ghana’s ocean resources.
The delegation, on Tuesday 20 August 2024, at the Naval Headquarters, was led by the Co-Lead OMI project and Senior Lecturer at the department – Dr Edem Mahu, aimed to strengthen the existing relationship between the university and the Ghana Navy, and discussed potential areas of collaboration, including research, training and capacity building.
The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) – Rear Admiral (R/Adm) Issah Adam Yakubu expressed his support for the initiative, emphasizing Ghana Navy’s commitment to protecting Ghana’s marine environment and resources.
He noted that the OMI project aligns with Ghana Navy’s mandate to ensure the security and sustainability of Ghana’s ocean resources, and in that vein, any form of collaboration towards its vision is welcome.
Dr Edem on her part, stated that the OMI requires a multi-stakeholder approach, and that the team was excited to work with the Navy to advance their understanding of Ghana’s ocean resources, and promote sustainable management practices.
The delegation later gave a detailed presentation together with their international partners who joined virtually, on an overview of the OMI project, highlighting its objectives, research focus areas, and potential benefits for Ghana’s maritime sector at the Faidoo Hall.
Present at the meeting were the Chief Staff Officer at the Naval Headquarters – Commodore Bright Emmanuel Kojo Atiayao; Deputy Chief Staff Officer, Policy and Plans – Commodore Faustina Boakyewaa Anokye; Director Research – Captain (GN) Derrick Atachie, and other Senior Officers at the Headquarters.
