Oceana, the world’s largest international advocacy organization focused exclusively on ocean conservation, has opened its first African office in Ghana and appointed Sonia Kwami to head its operations in the country.
The new office, based in Accra, marks a significant expansion of Oceana’s global advocacy work and reflects growing concern over the state of Ghana’s marine resources, which support millions of livelihoods and provide a critical source of food security.
Kwami, a seasoned non-profit leader with more than 22 years of experience in campaign strategy, coalition building, and policy advocacy across Africa and internationally, will oversee Oceana’s efforts to protect Ghana’s oceans, fisheries, and coastal communities.
Speaking on her appointment, Kwami said Ghana’s oceans remain central to the survival of many families and local economies, particularly in coastal areas where fishing has sustained generations.
“Fish remain one of the most affordable and vital sources of nutrition in Ghana, yet these resources are dwindling. Across Ghana, families, fishers, and small businesses rely on a healthy ocean for food, jobs, and income security. Oceana’s campaigns in Ghana will help safeguard our oceans and ensure that the communities who depend on them can thrive for generations to come,” she said.
According to Oceana, more than 21 million people in Ghana depend on marine resources for food and nutrition, but overfishing, illegal fishing, and destructive practices continue to threaten fish populations and coastal livelihoods.
Chief Executive Officer of Oceana, James Simon, described Kwami’s appointment as timely, noting that her background in community-centered advocacy makes her well suited to lead the organization’s first African campaign hub.
“Ghana’s coastal communities depend on healthy oceans, but these waters are under threat. Sonia’s extensive experience working with local communities and leading advocacy campaigns across Africa makes her well suited to lead this work,” Simon said.
He added that Oceana’s Ghana office will work closely with fishers, women involved in fish processing and trading, local communities, and civil society groups to strengthen fisheries governance and improve ocean sustainability.
Before joining Oceana, Kwami served on the global executive team of 350.org as Head of Campaigning and Organizing. She has also held senior roles at ONE Campaign, Oxfam International, Global Call to Action Against Poverty, and VSO Ghana.
Rashid Sumaila, a fisheries economist and member of Oceana’s board, warned that Ghana’s fisheries face serious long-term decline if stronger interventions are not implemented.
“Some fish populations have declined by close to 80 percent over the last 20 years. Without stronger protections and effective management, these declines could continue, threatening a critical source of nutrition, livelihoods, and cultural identity for millions of Ghanaians,” he said.
Oceana says its campaigns globally have secured more than 325 policy victories aimed at tackling overfishing, habitat destruction, oil and plastic pollution, and protecting threatened marine species.
The organization believes that restoring ocean health can help guarantee sustainable seafood access for future generations while strengthening food systems worldwide.