Ghana will leverage its partnership with Norway to strengthen sustainable marine resource management, improve livelihoods and drive long-term economic growth through the Oceans for Development Programme, Deputy Minister for Finance Thomas Nyarko Ampem has said.
He said the partnership would build on the two countries’ experience in implementing the Fish for Development and Oil for Development programmes while supporting Ghana’s broader development priorities and commitment to responsible natural resource management.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister for Finance at the signing ceremony of the Oceans for Development Programme Agreement between Ghana and Norway, Mr Ampem said the initiative presented an important opportunity to strengthen institutions and promote sustainable use of the country’s marine and aquatic resources.
“For Ghana, this partnership is both timely and important. It aligns with our development priorities and reinforces our commitment to responsible resource management, institutional strengthening and sustainable economic growth,” he said.
The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation between the Government of Ghana and the Government of Norway, acting through the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad), to support the implementation of Ghana’s Blue Economy Strategy.
Under the agreement, Norway will provide technical support through its relevant institutions, with its financial commitments to that support capped at NOK100 million, subject to parliamentary appropriations.
The programme seeks to promote inclusive livelihoods, improve food security and incomes, strengthen governance of marine and inland aquatic ecosystems, improve compliance with fisheries and environmental regulations, and reduce illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
Mr Ampem said the partnership was particularly important as the government worked to consolidate economic gains, maintain macroeconomic stability and ensure efficient use of public resources.
He noted that the government had prioritised fiscal discipline, domestic revenue mobilisation and accountability in public spending, stressing that development partnerships must uphold the same standards of transparency and efficiency.
“However, we must recognise that partnership comes with responsibility. The resources and technical expertise provided under this programme must be used transparently, efficiently and in pursuit of clearly defined results,” he said.
He urged the Fisheries Commission, the Environmental Protection Authority, the Blue Economy Secretariat and other implementing institutions to ensure effective coordination and professional management of the programme.
Mr Ampem expressed Ghana’s appreciation to the Norwegian government for its continued support and confidence in the country’s development agenda.
“As we sign this agreement today, let us renew our commitment to working together, translating our shared ambitions into practical action and delivering lasting benefits for the people of Ghana and Norway,” he said.
The cooperation agreement will remain in force for five years from the date of the last signature, subject to its terms.
SOURCE: 3news.com