ACE Comms TeamThe 10th anniversary of the Africa Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience (ACECoR), University of Cape Coast, Ghana was not just a milestone; it was a continental tribute to science in action. Applauded by governments, researchers, and global partners alike, the celebration affirmed ACECoR’s position as a driving force for coastal resilience and ocean innovation in Africa. From the Government of Ghana to university leaders, community champions, and international collaborators, voices from across the continent hailed the Centre’s decade-long journey as a model of transformative impact and visionary leadership.
Unlike a one-off event, ACECoR’s milestone unfolded as a year-long celebration of achievement and ambition. It began on April 11, 2023, with a high-level launch where Centre Director, Prof. Dennis Worlanyo Aheto, recounted ACECoR’s remarkable journey and unveiled plans for a groundbreaking Ocean Institute, an ambitious initiative to advance marine science, ocean governance, and biodiversity conservation across Africa.
Throughout the anniversary year, ACECoR convened policy dialogues, scientific conferences, and regional forums that brought together marine scientists, policymakers, environmentalists, and industry leaders to chart the future of Africa’s blue economy. Distinguished guests, including Ghana’s former Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, joined these engagements, underscoring ACECoR’s reputation as a trusted convener of knowledge and innovation. The outcomes strengthened the bridge between research and policy, reaffirming the Centre’s role in shaping sustainable coastal and marine management strategies that will define Africa’s Ocean future.
Beyond policy and research, ACECoR’s Pan-African identity was also on display. On June 8, 2023, the Centre hosted a cultural cookout that brought together students and staff from nine African countries. Through food, music, and storytelling, participants showcased their diverse heritage while reaffirming ACECoR’s role as a hub for regional collaboration and a space where science and culture intersect.
Engaging Youth, Restoring Ecosystems
Youth engagement was a hallmark of the year. In Ankaful, Cape Coast, ACECoR partnered with the Touch Group Foundation to introduce children to marine science through games, storytelling, and lessons on plastic pollution. In Bakatsir, junior high school students explored climate change, STEM careers, and the impact of Ghana’s closed fishing season — connecting local realities with global environmental issues and inspiring the next generation of ocean stewards.
In September, ACECoR led a reforestation campaign in Bayive, planting over 2,000 seedlings in partnership with conservation agencies and community members. The initiative combined climate action with environmental education, restoring ecosystems while engaging youth in sustainability efforts.
Investing in Resilience and Research Excellence
A remarkable milestone was the commissioning of ACECoR’s new GHS 13 million multi-purpose academic complex in December 2023. Equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories, lecture halls, a marine-focused library, research commons, and offices, the facility provides a lasting foundation for interdisciplinary research and postgraduate training.
Over the past decade, ACECoR has become more than an academic centre. It has evolved into a voice in national policy, a platform for regional collaboration, and a hub for innovations that link marine science with community livelihoods. Its alumni are contributing to coastal management across West Africa, and its research continues to inform planning at both national and regional levels.
ACECoR’s 10th anniversary was not just a celebration of past achievements but a statement of intent for the future. As part of the wider ACE@10 milestone, the Centre reaffirmed its role in advancing science, shaping policy, and empowering coastal communities.