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Stakeholders gear up for 2nd Blue Economy Conference
All is set for the much-anticipated second (2nd) International Blue Economy Conference (IBEG-2025) scheduled for February 19-21, 2025 in the Republic of The Gambia.
Under the auspices of the Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure, the Gambia in collaboration with the Regional Maritime University(RMU) in Accra and the Dar es Salaam Maritime Institute,Tanzania,the conference would be held under the theme, “Harnessing the Blue Economy: Leveraging for Innovative and Sustainable Development”.
According to a press release issued in Accra, the conference forms part of efforts to bring together international stakeholders to share ideas on promoting the blue economy to subsequently lead development across the continent, by tapping into prospects within the industry.
It added that, the conference would seek to bring together partners to promote the innovative and sustainable use of the blue economy within the context of maritime security, safety and development and to establish a platform for knowledge sharing, networking and capacity building among stakeholders and partners, leveraging innovative and sustainable development.
Keynote speaker for the conference, it announced, would be the President of the Republic of The Gambia, Mr Adama Barrow as well as several high-profile dignitaries including the Secretary General of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Mr Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary General of MOWCA Dr Paul Ikongshul Adalikwu and ministers from across the continent would be in attendance.
Other speakers it said include, the Minister for Blue Economy, Zanzibar, Tanzania, Mr Shaaba Othman, Prof. Dr Moenieba Isaacs of the Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies School of Economics and Management Sciences University of the Western Cape, South Africa, Managing Director Adept Blue Economic Solutions, Kenya, Dr Nancy Kairaria and Former Chief of Staff, United Nations (UN) Economic Commission for Africa and Managing Director Centric Digital-Ghana, Dr Aida Opohu-Mensah.
“The rest are, Director General Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute, Tanzania,Mr Ismael A. Kimirei, Director of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries, Tanzania Dr Salum Soud HAMED, Maritime Law Consultant, Dr Emmanuel Mbiah and former Vice Chancellor, University of The Gambia Prof. Dr Felixtina Jonsyn-Ellis,” it added.
“There would be other sub-themes for discussion including Sustainable fisheries and Aquaculture (Offshore and Coastal Fisheries), Ocean Renewable Energy, Eco-tourism and Marine Conservation, Blue technology and Innovation, Ocean Governance and Policy, Maritime Legislation as well as Climate Resilience and adaptation,” it stated.
In addition, it said, would be conversations on Sustainable Shipping and Transportation, Development of Coastal Infrastructure, Environmental Sustainability, Sectorial and Institutional Linkages, Maritime Safety and Security, Decarbonization of Maritime Transportation, Marine/Coastal Tourism and Hospitality, Marine Digitalization and Marine Artificial Intelligence (AI in Maritime).
“Other areas to be tackled would be Oil and Gas, Marine Technological Innovation, International Cooperation in the Maritime Sector, Maritime Transport and Port Development, Marine Biotechnology, Climate Change and Coastal Resilience and Digital Transformation in the Blue Economy,” it stressed.
Ultimately, the conference would offer a huge opportunity for Africa to take advantage of the huge potentials within the blue economy to foster development.
Muslims across the country celebrated this year’s Eid-ul-Adha in a colourful and spiritually uplifting atmosphere under the theme, “A Season of Sacrifice, Solidarity and Spiritual Renewal.”
The celebration brought together Muslims from diverse backgrounds in a remarkable display of faith, unity and cultural heritage.
The occasion was marked by special Eid prayers at various designated grounds, the slaughtering of rams in homes for sharing among family members, friends and the less privileged, as well as musical concerts and recreational activities including horse riding.
Leading the celebration was the Chief Imam, Dr Sheikh Osman Sharubutu.
While the national celebration was held at the Black Star Square where President John Dramani Mahama was the Special Guest of Honour, similar gatherings took place at different centres across the capital and other regions of the country.
A visit by The Spectator to some celebration grounds revealed Muslims, both young and old, elegantly dressed in colourful jalabiya and other Islamic attire, reflecting the rich culture and traditions of the Muslim community.
The celebration also portrayed the spirit of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the country, as a number of Christians joined their Muslim counterparts to mark the occasion.
Muslim leaders and government officials used the opportunity to call on the faithful to uphold the teachings of the Holy Quran, renew their spiritual commitment and refrain from acts capable of undermining the peace, unity and security of the nation.
They further urged Ghanaians to continue to live in harmony and support one another for national development.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Dear Obaa Yaa,
During Eid-ul- Adha celebration, I decided to spend the weekend at my boyfriend’s place since we were planning towards our marriage.
To my surprise, what keeps me wide awake, restless and frustrated every single time is that he snores loudly like a generator running on full power, and I genuinely cannot get any rest
At a point, I thought it was just a normal thing, but I have realised it is something he does with ease and doesn’t see anything wrong with it.
When he steps out in the morning, I try to get enough sleep because I may not sleep in the evening.
The most annoying thing is that, he always wants to cuddle me. These two things are a no for me and a red flag.
We are about to get married, what should I do?
Enam, Keta.
Dear Enam,
The snoring and constant cuddling are frustrating, but you don’t have to choose between sleep and closeness.
Start with the snoring: check if it’s worse when he sleeps on his back, cut out alcohol before bed, try nasal strips or a humidifier, and see a doctor if he pauses while breathing.
For quick relief, foam earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones help a lot.
Separate blankets, a bigger bed, or sleeping apart on some nights often makes couples rest well and feel closer overall.
Bring this up before the wedding .Tell him you want to wake up next to him for years to come, but sleep deprivation makes you both miserable.
Test earplugs and side-sleeping this weekend, and if it’s still unbearable, bring in a doctor. Good sleep matters more for your marriage than staying glued together all night.
