Ghana named among seven countries to lead new UN ocean and offshore energy initiative
Ghana has been selected as one of seven countries to pioneer a new United Nations programme aimed at promoting sustainable ocean development and offshore renewable energy across the Global South.
The initiative, known as the Ocean Centres, was launched by the UN Global Compact to support locally driven efforts in marine conservation, clean energy innovation, and maritime safety.
Ghana’s participation was announced at a press briefing held in Accra on Wednesday, July 23, 2025.
At the launch, a speech by UN Secretary-General António Guterres titled “A Moment of Opportunity: Supercharging the New Energy Era” was delivered on his behalf.
The Secretary-General called for urgent action to shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy, stressing the need for a just and inclusive transition.
Mr Guterres outlined six areas for urgent global action: updated national climate plans, modernised energy infrastructure, accelerated deployment of renewables, fair access to energy, reforms to global financial systems, and a fivefold increase in clean energy investment to developing countries by 2030.
He noted that global investment in clean energy reached $2 trillion in 2024, $800 billion more than what was spent on fossil fuels.
He added that over 90 per cent of new renewable energy projects now generate electricity at lower costs than the cheapest fossil fuel options. Despite this progress, Africa accounts for just 1.5 per cent of global renewable capacity, a disparity he said must be addressed.
Speaking as Country Lead for the Ocean Centres in Ghana, Dr Emmanuel Kofi Mbiah said the initiative offers Ghana a timely opportunity to develop a coordinated, nationally driven platform focused on ocean governance and offshore clean energy.
He said Ghana’s coastal geography, growing maritime capacity, and interest in the blue economy provide a strong foundation for the country’s leadership in the project.
Dr Mbiah added that the platform would reflect Ghana’s national development priorities, bringing together state agencies, researchers, coastal communities, and private businesses to shape policies and implement projects that respond to local conditions.
He mentioned the potential for expanding small-scale tidal, wave, wind, and solar energy technologies along the country’s coastline, particularly for schools, homes, and fish landing sites.
He also stated that the initiative could support legal and institutional reforms to enhance ocean health, strengthen maritime surveillance, and position Ghana as a trusted destination for offshore energy investment in the West African region.
Executive Director of the UN Global Compact Network Ghana, Mr Tolu Kweku Lacroix, said the Ocean Centres would provide a space for responsible business engagement, national dialogue, and locally led innovation.
According to him, Ghana’s selection reflects its preparedness to link climate goals with development efforts that include all sectors of society.
Mr Lacroix explained that the initiative would work in collaboration with national institutions and support existing efforts, including the National Energy Transition Framework, marine spatial planning, and private-sector sustainability projects.
He said coordinated action across sectors would be necessary to achieve practical results for ocean health, jobs, and climate resilience.
The Ocean Centres initiative is part of the UN’s broader efforts to support sustainable ocean economies and enhance access to clean energy in developing countries.
