We’ll enforce laws to ensure maritime safety — Joseph Nikpe

The Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has pledged the commitment of the government to ensure maritime safety by enforcing laws and improving infrastructure to boost economic growth and create job opportunities.

“We’ll work closely with the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) to address challenges and make the authority one of the best in the world,” he said.

He made the pledge during a working visit to the GMA in Accra where he also emphasised the importance of improving infrastructure to boost the sector to attract more shipping lines.

Maritime hub

The minister highlighted the country’s strategic position in the sub-region and its potential to become a maritime hub.

He said congested coastal road networks necessitated the development of inland water transport as a viable alternative, adding “Our coastal line is choked with traffic, so we must shift some of this burden to our waters. But this can only happen if our waters are safe”.

Mr Nikpe acknowledged challenges such as inadequate funding and the need for stronger enforcement mechanisms, but assured the GMA of the ministry’s support in addressing those issues.

He also emphasised the government’s commitment to job creation and economic expansion, with the maritime sector playing a pivotal role.

The minister urged staff of the GMA to support the new Director-General of the authority, Dr Kamal-Deen Ali, to achieve its mandate. 

Commitment

Dr Ali reaffirmed GMA’s dedication to advancing the country’s maritime industry, and outlined initiatives such as a Crew and Maritime Jobs Creation Drive which is aimed at increasing employment opportunities for seafarers, and upgrading of maritime surveillance systems to enhance security within the country’s territorial waters.

He also highlighted the country’s global recognition for marine environmental protection and pledged to continue enforcing strict regulations to sustain it.

For his part, the Director, Technical at GMA, Captain Inusa Abdul Nasir, stressed the need for the country to align its maritime laws with international standards to maintain its position on the International Maritime Organization’s White List.