Ghana's pursuit of maritime excellence should result in job creation, greater youth participation, and increased opportunities for women in the blue economy. According to Madam Josephine Nkrumah, Maritime Lawyer and Senior Fellow at the Gulf of Guinea Maritime Institute, the sector has significant potential to support job creation, empower communities, and strengthen the country's position as a trading and commercial hub. This was stated at a media forum powered by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority.
Madam Nkrumah emphasized that youth participation is critical due to the region's large youth population and the need to ensure that young people benefit from opportunities emerging from the blue economy. She also called for greater participation of women in the maritime sector, particularly in technical and decision-making positions. This is rather than limiting their involvement to ancillary roles. The Maritime Lawyer stressed that Ghana's National Integrated Maritime Strategy contains provisions on the inclusion of women, youth, and marginalized groups.
However, the critical question is how those commitments will be translated into practical opportunities. Madam Nkrumah noted that Ghana needs to strengthen collaboration with coastal communities to promote sustainable fisheries and food security. This will ensure that ocean governance delivers benefits beyond coastal communities. The Maritime Lawyer also called for stronger engagement between policymakers, private-sector actors, think tanks, and civil society organizations to support maritime-sector development.
Madam Nkrumah stated that maritime excellence should result in safer seas, food security, and job creation. Young people need to be deliberately connected to opportunities within the blue economy. The Gulf of Guinea Maritime Institute Senior Fellow added that the sector's development will depend on effective collaboration and coordination among stakeholders. This includes government agencies, private sector actors, and civil society organizations.
The media forum was organized by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority to engage stakeholders on maritime issues. Madam Nkrumah's remarks reflect the need for a more inclusive and sustainable approach to maritime development in Ghana. The country's maritime sector has the potential to drive economic growth and create jobs. However, this will require effective implementation of the National Integrated Maritime Strategy.
Madam Nkrumah's call for greater youth and women participation in the maritime sector is timely. Ghana's youth population is significant, and their inclusion in the sector can help drive economic growth and development. Similarly, women's participation in technical and decision-making positions can help bring diverse perspectives and ideas to the sector. This can lead to more innovative and effective solutions.
The implementation of the National Integrated Maritime Strategy will be crucial in achieving maritime excellence in Ghana. The strategy provides a framework for the development of the sector, but its success will depend on effective coordination and collaboration among stakeholders. Madam Nkrumah's remarks highlight the need for a more inclusive and sustainable approach to maritime development in Ghana.
Key points
- Ghana's maritime sector must create jobs and involve youth and women for excellence.
- The sector's development will depend on effective collaboration and coordination among stakeholders.
- The National Integrated Maritime Strategy provides a framework for the development of the sector.
