Protecting Ghana’s marine mammals depends on communities that understand why these animals matter, and on evidence that shows what is actually happening to them at sea. Friends of the Nation (FoN) works on both fronts, building public awareness while supporting the research that underpins effective conservation.

What We Do

FoN runs awareness activities in coastal communities and schools on the importance of whales, dolphins, and other marine mammals to Ghana’s marine ecosystem, addressing misconceptions and discouraging harmful practices such as the deliberate killing or harvesting of stranded animals. We support and participate in research on marine mammal strandings, distribution, and threats in Ghanaian waters, working alongside universities, government agencies, and regional partners to build a stronger evidence base. Findings from this research feed back into our awareness campaigns and into advocacy for stronger national policy on marine mammal protection.

Why It Matters

Conservation efforts that are not grounded in both community understanding and sound evidence tend not to last. Awareness builds the public support and behaviour change that protection requires, while research ensures that FoN’s advocacy and interventions are based on an accurate picture of the threats marine mammals actually face along Ghana’s coast, from bycatch to habitat degradation.