The Acting Director-General of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), Dr. Audrey Smock Amoah, on Thursday, July 17, 2025 highlighted Ghana's commitment to ensuring a sustainable blue economy at the 2025 UN High-Level Political Forum (HLPF).
Delivering a statement on Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14), she noted that Ghana has taken significant steps to protect its oceans. One notable achievement, she said is Ghana's pioneering effort in reporting plastic debris density under SDG 14.1.1(b).
With over 1.1 million tonnes of plastic waste generated annually, the country launched a Circular Economy Framework for Plastics in 2024. This framework promotes waste prevention, reuse, responsible design, and guides investment, she disclosed.
To address overfishing, she stated that Ghana has taken proactive measures, including implementing a Marine Fisheries Management Plan and ratifying the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. Furthermore, the country is developing a Sustainable Ocean Plan that emphasises science-based planning, local consultations, and international collaborations to ensure the sustainable management of marine resources.
Dr. Amoah emphasised Ghana's unwavering commitment to marine conservation, believing that with courage, partnership, and innovation, the country can positively influence the future of its oceans.
Dr. Smock Amoah also delivered similar statements on SDGs 3 and 5 respectively, highlighting Ghana's commitment to the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals.