A delegation from the University of Ghana's (UG) Marine Science Department has met with the Chief of the Naval Staff Rear Admiral Issah Adam Yakubu, to discuss a new project dubbed ‘Ocean Margins Initiative (OMI)’ on Tuesday, 20 August 2024 at the Naval Headquarters.
The Ocean Margins Initiative (OMI) is a collaborative research effort aimed at promoting sustainable management of Ghana's ocean resources.
The visit by the delegation, led by the Co-Lead OMI project and Senior Lecturer at the department, Dr Edem Mahu, aimed to strengthen the existing relationship between the university and the Ghana Navy and to discuss potential areas of collaboration, including research, training and capacity building.
The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Rear Admiral Issah Adam Yakubu expressed his support for the initiative, emphasizing the Ghana Navy's commitment to protecting Ghana's marine environment and resources. He noted that the OMI project aligns with the Ghana Navy's mandate to ensure the security and sustainability of Ghana's ocean resources. “Any form of collaboration towards our vision is welcome”, he stressed.
Dr Edem on her part, stated that the Ocean Margins Initiative requires a multi-stakeholder approach, and that the team was excited to work with the Ghana Navy to advance their understanding of Ghana's ocean resources and promote sustainable management practices.
The delegation, together with their international partners who joined the meeting virtually, gave a presentation on the overview of the OMI project, highlighting its objectives, research focus areas and potential benefits for Ghana's maritime sector at the Faidoo Hall.
Present at the meeting were the Chief Staff Officer at the Naval Headquarters, Commodore Bright Emmanuel Kojo Atiayao, Deputy Chief Staff Officer, Policy and Plans, Commodore Faustina Boakyewaa Anokye, Director Research, Captain (GN) Derrick Atachie and other senior officers at the Headquarters.
