UCC Launches Africa Ocean Institute to Drive Sustainable Blue Economy

The University of Cape Coast (UCC) has officially launched the Africa Ocean Institute (AOI) to strengthen ocean research, marine governance and sustainable development across Africa.

The launch, held at the University’s Academic Board Chamber, marks a major step in UCC’s quest to position itself as a continental hub for ocean science, policy research, capacity development and blue economy solutions. The event was organised in a hybrid format.

The Institute brings together the University’s existing expertise in coastal and marine studies, including the Centre for Coastal Management (CCM), the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (DFAS) and the Centre for Marine Affairs (CeMA).

The establishment of AOI follows approval by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) and the completion of the requisite internal processes at UCC. The Institute operates under the College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences.

The Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Prof. Denis Worlanyo Aheto, has described the Institute as a strategic academic and policy-oriented initiative designed to respond to the environmental, socio-economic and governance challenges confronting Africa’s marine and coastal spaces.

According to Prof. Aheto, the Institute will provide an interdisciplinary platform connecting research, capacity development and policy engagement, while supporting government institutions, coastal communities and industry with evidence-based knowledge for sustainable management of marine resources.

“The AOI is expected to contribute to Ghana’s blue economy ambitions through research and training in areas including sustainable fisheries, coastal resilience, marine spatial planning, ocean governance and climate adaptation” he stated.

Prof. Aheto noted that the Institute also had a continental mandate, with plans to support African-led knowledge production and strengthen the capacity of the next generation of ocean professionals adding that “Its work is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDGs 4, 8, 13, 14 and 17”.

The Vice-Chancellor said the establishment of the Institute was anchored on its longstanding expertise in marine and coastal research.  He pointed out the “The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences has been recognised as an African Union Centre of Excellence in Marine Fisheries and Coastal Zone Management, while the Centre for Coastal Management has developed expertise in coastal resilience, climate adaptation, ecosystem management and applied research.”

Prof. Aheto further indicated that the Institute had been established at a time when Africa’s coastal and marine environments face increasing pressures from climate change, overfishing, pollution, habitat degradation and gaps between scientific knowledge and policy implementation.

“Through the Africa Ocean Institute, UCC seeks to bring together researchers, policymakers, indstry actors, development partners and coastal communities to generate practical solutions for a sustainable and resilient ocean future,” he noted.

Speaking at the event, the Registrar of UCC, Gideon Enoch Abbeyquaye (Esq.), said Africa’s coastal ecosystems continued to face enormous challenges, including climate change, illegal fishing, biodiversity loss, pollution and maritime insecurity.

However, he noted that the continent’s oceans and coastal environments also present significant opportunities for food security, employment creation, economic transformation and climate resilience.

“The challenge is not just protecting the ocean, but how to harness its enormous potential for the benefit of present and future generations,” he said.

Mr. Abbeyquaye explained that the University’s involvement in the initiative was in line with the institution’s identity and historical connection to the coast.

The Acting Director of the Africa Ocean Institute and Director of the Centre for Coastal Management, Prof. Precious Mattah; Director of the Centre for Marine Affairs, Prof. Noble Asare; and Head of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Prof. Isaac Okyere, outlined the key areas of focus of their respective units.

Solidarity messages were delivered by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which supports development initiatives through technical cooperation, capacity building and knowledge sharing; Blue Ventures, a UK-based marine conservation organisation; Prudential Bank; and Zenith Bank.

As part of the launch, Prudential Bank and Zenith Bank made financial contributions towards the initiative.