The Sustainable Ocean Plan Technical Working Committee conveyed a meeting on August 13, 2025, to review progress on Ghana’s Sustainable Ocean Plan (SOP) ahead of its presentation at the High-Level Ocean Panel Leaders’ Forum in September.
 The Chairman of NDPC and the Technical Working Committee, Dr. Nii Moi Thompson, confirmed that preparations for the President’s participation at the September 24 leaders’ meeting are on track.
He added that the SOP’s completion fits the Ocean Panel Secretariat’s timelines and underscored the need for continuity in technical work, complementarity with other government initiatives, and regular reporting to the Ocean Panel.
 Dr. Thompson also noted that the plan would serve as an input into the umbrella framework for managing Ghana’s blue economy.
Madam Eyram Agbemava of the SDG Advisory Unit outlined the background of the High-Level Ocean Panel, made up of world leaders committed to sustainably managing 100% of ocean areas under their national jurisdiction. She explained that the SOP would help facilitate the blue economy and noted that the purpose of the meeting was to complete the plan in time for the President’s presentation at the leaders’ forum next month.
Madam Eyram further disclosed that the next crucial step for the Sustainable Ocean Plan (SOP) will be a validation workshop, scheduled to take place across four coastal regions in the coming weeks, potentially within two weeks. The workshop aims to review and finalize the plan as part of Ghana’s preparation for the upcoming UN General Assembly.
Dr. Felix Addo-Yobo, a former convener for the SOP Technical Committee gave a detailed briefing on the SOP, describing its vision which is centred on three pillars that is  protection of the ocean and its resources, production to enhance their potential, and productivity to harness their economic value for equitable and inclusive development.
 He noted that Ghana’s SOP covers both marine and coastal areas and is guided by sustainable development principles. He also highlighted its alignment with the SDGs, Africa’s Blue Economy Strategy, and Agenda 2063, as well as the need to attract investment, create jobs, increase public awareness, and build capacity across relevant sectors.