About Us
Our Story
Coral Reefstoration Ghana is an NGO founded in 2023 by marine conservationists George and Esi Amado, born from their deep love for the ocean, and feeling an urgent call to protect it.
Along Ghana’s coast, vibrant marine life once flourished around reefs that are now struggling to survive. With Coral Reefstoration Ghana we are bringing together conservationists, scientists, divers, storytellers, and community leaders to revive Ghana’s underwater ecosystems. Through hands-on restoration, research, and education, we’re building local capacity and training the next generation of marine conservationists to care for our oceans.
From launching Ghana’s first ever Dive Lab in order to build capacity in underwater research and coral restoration, to partnering with schools and local fishermen, our work is rooted in collaboration and community.
The value of our coral reefs
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Natural barrier against climate change for the coasts
Reefs offer natural protection against storm surges and sea level rise, as they act as a physical barrier absorbing 97% of wave energy before it gets to shore.
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Biodiversity and ocean health
70% of the oxygen we breathe actually comes from the ocean, not trees. Coral reefs help maintain ocean health, as one of the most biodiverse ecosystems, supporting 25% of marine species.
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Local economies
Reefs underpin the fishing industries, so ensuring their health is necessary for economic resilience in Ghana’s fishing communities, where people’s livelihoods depend on the continued ability to fish.
Mission Statement
Build capacity and ocean access
We want to build capacity and create access for ocean enthusiasts, conservationists, and scientists, empowering them to tell compelling stories that inspire ocean protection and foster a renewed mindset for conservation.
Inspire a community conservation movement
We want to inspire a generation of ocean stewards who protect and restore Ghana’s Ocean and coral reefs through storytelling, science, and community empowerment.
Impact Strategy
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Coral Reef Education Program
Engage schools in ocean literacy programs
Train teachers on marine education
Host Annual “Ocean Awareness Week” in at least 3 coastal regions
Virtual Reality (VR) Coral Reef Education Experience
Produce 360° VR reef videos and uploaded on VR headsets For Education experience
Ocean Storytelling Fellowship
Organize Ocean storytelling Labs to train fellows to produce their ocean stories content
Produce digital stories published on reefs and conservation efforts
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Host Ghana Dive Labs training participants in diving skills to facilitate local underwater research and restoration work
Reef Leaders Program
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Exploratory Dives for Reef Discovery
Objective: Conduct exploratory dives along Ghana’s coast to discover new reefs and identify emerging threats.Champion the protection and transformation of the abandoned Saltpond oil platform slated for decommissioning, to safeguard the habitat of the corals and other marine species residing there.
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George Amado is a marine conservationist, educator, underwater filmmaker, lead instructor, and co-founder of Coral Reefstoration Ghana, an NGO he co-established in 2023 with his wife, born from their shared passion for the ocean and commitment to its protection.
Dedicated to restoring Ghana’s once-thriving reefs, George leads pioneering initiatives that bring together scientists, divers, storytellers, and community leaders to revive the nation’s underwater ecosystems through science, education, storytelling, and community engagement.
His work includes launching Ghana’s first-ever Dive Lab to train young scientists in underwater research and coral restoration, as well as transforming abandoned oil platforms into thriving artificial reefs. Through his leadership, Coral Reefstoration Ghana has become a driving force for locally led marine restoration, sustainable ocean access, and youth empowerment across West Africa.
Meet the Team
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Esi co-founded Coral Reefstoration Ghana along with her husband George.
She is a Chartered Procurement and Supply Chain professional with over 12 years of experience in optimizing distribution and logistics processes across multiple countries in West Africa. She was also a Lead Swim Instructor at Peacesail Ghana, promoting water safety and swimming education.
Esi is committed to continuous improvement, ethical leadership, and delivering operational excellence across all areas of responsibility.
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For over 10 years, David served as Vessel Operation and Administrative Manager at Panofi Company Limited, overseeing the management of 8 purse seine vessels and coordinating nearly 200 crew members across Tema Port, Takoradi Port, and Abidjan Port.
He also served as Chairperson of a leading maritime workers’ union, where he advocated for fair wages, improved working conditions, and workers’ rights.
He currently runs an apparel creation and general merchandise business, blending creativity with practical business sense.
David is passionate about the ocean, people, and purpose-driven work that connects the two.
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Zita has a background is in Law, a degree from King’s College London, and she worked in various legal research and communications roles, before moving into sustainability.
In 2025, she was selected as one of 29 Fellows of the Beahrs Environmental Leadership Program at the University of California Berkeley.
She has a Certificate in Sustainable Environmental Management from UC Berkeley and volunteers as a Research Assistant in the Coastal Climate Resilience Lab at Berkeley.