In Narkwa, Ghana, oyster farming faces collapse due to pollution, overharvesting, and poor sanitation, threatening marine ecosystems, public health, and livelihoods reliant on this culturally vital, yet increasingly unsafe, coastal resource.

Conducting a baseline sanitary survey in the Narkwa community-managed oyster growing area will identify pollution points, laying the groundwork for microbial analysis crucial for international trade compliance. Post-survey, Phase 1 prioritizes microbial testing of oysters from monitoring areas. Aligning with FAO standards, data will aid the classification of the harvesting area into “Approved,” “Restricted,” or “Prohibited.” Phase 2 translates findings into risk communication actions where zones will be classified as Class A (safe for human consumption), Classes B and C (require further processing or relaying). By linking sanitary data to global standards, this phased plan transforms the crisis at Narkwa into an opportunity to empower communities to sustainably access premium markets, ensuring oysters become a symbol of resilience—not collapse—for Ghana’s coast.