The Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESTI), Ophelia Mensah-Hayford, has said it is important to explore new ways to sustain the oceans.

Ahead of World Oceans Day celebrations, the minister entreated Ghanaians to protect the ocean to achieve a bluer, safer, and better lifestyle.

Speaking on the theme for this year's celebration, "Awaken New Depths," she said the initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goals 14 and 6.

She said, "For us in Ghana, observing the day, the Government of Ghana through the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESTI), in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other key stakeholders, would like to re-emphasize the need to protect and restore the world's ocean that connects us all. We aim to increase public education and awareness on sustainable ocean management practices, facilitate dialogues across various topics including Ocean and Climate Nexus, Science and Innovation, Capacity Building, Biodiversity, Traditional and Local Community Knowledge, among others. We will undertake exhibitions, media engagements, and a press release to advance efforts to awaken and explore new depths to achieve sustainable national ocean governance, protection, and the Sustainable Development Goals 14 & 6 for enhanced ocean health."

"Ocean tides are changing radically; hence, there is a need to generate newer and deeper waves of excitement towards cherishing and protecting our ocean and the entirety of our blue planet. As individuals, institutions, communities, MMDAs, MDAs, and a nation, we are called upon to unite in exploring new depths towards managing, protecting, and sustaining our ocean to achieve a bluer, safer, and better lifestyle," she added.

"Let us use this day as a catalyst for social change; to underscore humanity's connectivity to the ocean, illustrate its cross-sector potential, awaken new depths to chart a path to a cleaner, healthier, and sustainable ocean for both ourselves and for posterity's sake," the minister stated.

World Oceans Day is celebrated every June 8 to reflect the importance of the ocean for all life forms on Earth.

The day has been selected to promote public awareness and actions for sustainable ocean management.

EK