Published on the July 5, this blog discusses the workshop in Cape Coast, Ghana, held by the One Ocean Hub on the 14th June 2024 focusing on human rights, ocean law, and governance to promote an inclusive and sustainable ocean for the country. The event gathered judicial and law officers from Ghana’s coastal regions, including two high court judges, three circuit court judges, and representatives from various legal and human rights organizations.
The workshop’s objectives were to:
1. Clarify national and international laws on human rights and the ocean.
2. Share knowledge and experiences related to these laws.
3. Enhance participants’ understanding of current legislation.
4. Present research findings that support small-scale fishers and sustainable ocean governance.
Discussions covered the threats and opportunities in Ghana’s marine space, human rights challenges, and the impact on small-scale fishers, including gender-related issues. Participants highlighted difficulties in enforcing fisheries laws and the need for constitutional and legislative improvements to better apply international laws. They also stressed the need for increased resources for legal aid, human rights education, and access to robust scientific and socio-legal research.
The workshop concluded with participants expressing gratitude to One Ocean Hub and the importance of extending such training to more legal professionals in the future.