Today, on World Oceans Day, I joined global leaders and ocean stakeholders at the Neptune Forum in Paris to share Ghana’s perspective on ocean governance. I highlighted the vital role the ocean plays in our economy, food security, and cultural identity, while noting the challenges of declining fish stocks, marine biodiversity loss, maritime insecurity, and the vulnerability of coastal communities. I emphasized that ocean governance must be rooted in equity, shared responsibility, and sustainable development. Ghana’s Blue Economy agenda focuses on sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, marine spatial planning, stronger monitoring and enforcement, and community stewardship. I also underscored the devastating impact of Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing on developing coastal states, particularly in Africa. I called for stronger international cooperation, greater investment in scientific capacity, technology transfer, and access to marine data. Guided by the principles of Equity, Stewardship, Scientific Sovereignty, Indigenous Wisdom, and Collective Security, Ghana remains committed to advancing a fairer and more effective system of global ocean governance.