The 2nd International Conference on Ocean Governance commenced with an opening ceremony on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at the University of Ghana School of Law Auditorium. The event was graced by distinguished dignitaries from around the world. Notable attendees included Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, represented by Prof. Gordon Akanzuwine Awandare, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs; Hon. Dominic Ayine, Attorney-General and Minister for Justice of the Republic of Ghana; Judge Keh Kamara, Judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS); Her Excellency Ingrid Skjolaas, Deputy Head of Mission/Minister Counsellor at the Royal Norwegian Embassy; and Prof. Peter Atudiwe Atupare, Dean of the University of Ghana School of Law.
 

In his opening address, Prof. Atupare expressed gratitude and excitement for the growth of the conference and its contribution to advancing ocean governance and the Law of the Sea. "As Dean of the School of Law, I stand here mindful of the journey that has brought us to this point – the groundbreaking ideas initiated at the first conference and the momentum we continue to build through scholarship, diplomacy, and advocacy," he remarked.
 

Prof. Gordon Awandare, representing the Vice-Chancellor, reaffirmed the University’s commitment to the project. "The management of the University of Ghana is deeply proud of the leadership of the School of Law in spearheading this truly interdisciplinary initiative, which is poised to deliver impactful outcomes that will shape ocean governance not only within the region but also serve as a global reference point. I wish to acknowledge the invaluable support of the Norwegian Centre for the Law of the Sea (NCLOS) and NORAD, whose longstanding partnership with the University of Ghana has not only sustained this conference but also catalyzed an entire academic ecosystem," he stated.
 

Mrs. Helen Ziwu, Solicitor and representative of the Attorney-General, stated, "This second edition of the Ocean Governance Conference reflects the depth of commitment shared across institutions. I wish to echo that commitment today and reaffirm that the rule of law remains central to Ghana's approach to marine governance; however, the work ahead demands more than reaffirmation."
 

Mr. Peter Dery, representative of the Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology, underscored Ghana's commitment to addressing ocean governance challenges. "With the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Ghana has undertaken pioneering studies on microplastics in our waters. We are exploring the use of satellite surveillance and drones to combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, while also investing in research hubs to generate data for evidence-based and adaptive policymaking. True resilience will only emerge when citizens and local leaders are fully engaged in this effort. Distinguished guests, even as we confront these threats, we must also recognize the promise of the Blue Economy, valued globally at over $1 trillion. For Ghana, it represents opportunities for jobs, security, renewable energy, and ecotourism; but this promise rests on the health of our ocean. That is why Ghana is scaling up mangrove restoration projects, expanding marine protected areas, and advancing climate-smart coastal infrastructure to safeguard both our people and biodiversity," he emphasized.
 

Her Excellency Ingrid Skjolaas reaffirmed the commitment and support of the Norwegian Embassy and the Government of Norway to the collaboration aimed at advancing sustainable ocean governance. "Norway remains fully committed to this partnership and to the shared vision that unites us. I commend the University of Ghana School of Law, the Department of Marine and Fisheries Science, and the entire organizing team for their dedication in convening this important dialogue. It provides a vital space for collaboration and solutions that our oceans, and our collective future, so urgently require," she emphasized.
 

Judge Keh Kamara, the keynote speaker, delivered a comprehensive analysis of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and its evolving application in the context of climate change. He referenced the Tribunal’s Advisory Opinion, providing compelling evidence of the direct impacts of climate change on the ocean, and by extension, on ocean governance and the Law of the Sea.
 

In the afternoon session, Prof. Nana Ama Brown Klutse, the keynote speaker, addressed the challenges of climate change and its profound impact on the world. She underscored the critical importance of the ocean and the severe risks it faces, largely as a result of human activity. "Addressing this crisis requires a robust and collaborative response through our legal and policy frameworks. We must move beyond high-level commitments to enforcement and concrete action on the ground. At the international level, landmark agreements such as  Norwegian Centre for the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) provide a foundational framework for ocean governance. Yet, the climate crisis introduces new challenges that compel us to interpret and expand these laws," she emphasized.

The session also featured insightful presentations on diverse aspects of marine issues by speakers including Dr. Peter Dery, Prof. Simon Bawakyullenuo, Dr. Kwame Agyekum, Prof. Dr. Bimal N. Patel, and Mr. Samuel Alesu-Dordzi. The Conference is organized by the University of Ghana School of Law (UGSoL) in collaboration with the Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences, University of Ghana, and the Norwegian Centre for the Law of the Sea (NCLOS), with the support of the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD).