President Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo-Addo has urged Ghanaians, especially those residing around the coastal areas, to help protect the sea and its inhabitants.
According to him, the revenue generated from the ocean contributes 4.5% of the total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country.
He made this assertion during the National Blue Economy Summit held in Accra on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, which was monitored by 1Family Radio. President Akuffo-Addo disclosed that about 70% of the country’s trade is carried by sea.
“The ocean is the lifeblood of our planet, covering some 70% of the earth’s surface. It generates half of our oxygen supply, drives the global economy through transport trade, and provides food and sustenance for billions of people around the world,’’ he stated.
“Our coastal area is home to some 7.5 million people. Like many other coastal African countries, the blue economy provides us with food, employment and income. For instance, some 10% of Ghana’s workforce is employed in the fishing sector, which also accounts for 4.5% of the country’s GDP.’’
“Additionally, 70% of Ghana’s trade is carried by sea through the ports of Tema and Takoradi. We are well-positioned to benefit from the ocean’s resources if sustainably managed,’’ he said.
President Akuffo-Addo continued that the repercussions of neglecting the ocean will affect the health of individuals depending on the ocean and the planet at large.
“The consequences of neglecting the ocean are dire, not just for the millions of people who depend on it for their livelihoods, but also for the health of our planet.’’
“There is therefore the need to preserve and protect the ocean and all its resources. We need to take decisive actions now to safeguard the ocean’s capacity to regenerate and continue to deliver substantial economic, environmental and social value for our development,’’ he added.
Source: 1Familyradio
