Professor Noble Kwame Asare, Associate Professor of Marine Ecology and Processes at the Africa Ocean Institute, University of Cape Coast, has highlighted the institute’s role in addressing climate change impacts such as coastal erosion and flooding.
Prof. Asare said the institute, through the Centre for Coastal Management, had been actively involved in projects such as the West Africa Coastal Areas (WACA) Resilience Investment Programme, particularly in vulnerable areas like the Volta Basin and Keta.
According to him, while traditional approaches had largely focused on hard infrastructure, there is now a growing emphasis on nature-based solutions to protect coastlines.
Prof. Asare made the remarks at a media forum organised by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) on the theme, “UCC’s Africa Ocean Institute: Positioning Ghana as a Hub for Marine Research, Policy and Blue Economy Growth”.
He stressed the need for early warning systems to enable coastal communities to better prepare for climate-related risks.
“Even if we address the causes of climate change, its impacts will persist for decades, so adaptation is critical,” he said.
Prof. Asare disclosed that the institute plans to establish monitoring stations along Ghana’s coastline to collect data and support modelling systems for early warning, to complement the work of the Ghana Meteorological Agency.
Touching on the fisheries sector, he emphasised the need to maximise economic benefits by strengthening the fisheries value chain.
He noted that although fisheries had been central to Ghana’s economy for centuries, the country was yet to fully optimise returns from the sector.
The Africa Ocean Institute is expected to play a critical role in shaping Ghana’s transition towards a sustainable blue economy by integrating research, policy, and industry.
Through its think tank model, the Institute seeks to provide innovative solutions, build institutional capacity, and support government efforts to harness ocean resources responsibly for economic growth.
By Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo, GNA