UG School of Law Hosts 2nd International Conference on Ocean Governance
The University of Ghana School of Law, in partnership with the Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences and the Norwegian Centre for the Law of the Sea (Arctic University of Norway), has successfully hosted the 2nd International Conference on Ocean Governance on the theme “Emerging Issues in Marine Environment and the Law of the Sea.”
For three days, legal luminaries, diplomats, policymakers, and marine scientists gathered at the University of Ghana to deliberate on the pressing challenges facing the world’s oceans and to shape innovative, forward-looking strategies for sustainable governance.
Opening the conference, Prof. Peter Atupare, Dean of the School of Law, described the gathering as a pivotal moment for international law and diplomacy. He announced plans to establish a Centre for Ocean Governance at the University and acknowledged Prof. Raymond Atuguba, former Dean of the School, for laying the groundwork for this initiative.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Gordon Awandare, emphasised the urgency of the discussions, stating: “Ocean governance is an urgent, complex challenge, vital to the sustainable future of our continent and planet.” He commended Norway for its long-standing collaboration with the University in advancing ocean-related research and policy.
The Government of Ghana’s support was reaffirmed by the Attorney-General, Dr. Dominic Ayine, represented by Solicitor-General, Mrs. Helen Ziwu, who endorsed the proposed Centre for Ocean Governance.
Diplomatic voices also underscored the global stakes of the dialogue. H.E. Ingrid Skjolaas, Deputy Head of Mission of the Royal Norwegian Embassy, stressed the importance of Ghana and Norway stepping up joint efforts to secure global ocean agreements. On his part, Dr. Peter Dery of the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation revealed that illegal fishing costs Ghana nearly $50 million annually and reiterated Ghana’s pledge to sustainably manage 100% of its ocean area by 2030.
Delivering the keynote address, Judge Keh Kamara of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) highlighted the Tribunal’s advisory opinion affirming that greenhouse gas emissions constitute marine pollution, thereby creating binding legal obligations on states to take corrective measures.
The conference reinforced the University of Ghana’s role as a hub for impactful dialogue at the intersection of law, science, and diplomacy, while advancing its commitment to sustainable development and global partnerships.