The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has emphasized the need for technology, funding, technical capacity, and inter-agency collaboration to achieve operational excellence in the maritime sector. According to Mr. Eric Ang-numbaala, Senior Planning Officer at GMA, these areas require sustained attention to improve safety, security, environmental protection, and efficiency. He made these remarks at a media forum powered by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) in Tema.
Technology is crucial for modern shipping and port operations, enabling efficiency, automating processes, and supporting green shipping infrastructure. Mr. Ang-numbaala highlighted that funding is another significant gap, particularly in financing infrastructure improvements, capacity development, and digital and cybersecurity requirements. The GMA is working to address these challenges and ensure that Ghana's maritime policies are translated into practical action.
Technical capacity is also essential, with the GMA working to improve the capacity of technical officers, particularly Port State Control officers at Ghanaian ports. Mr. Ang-numbaala stressed the need for greater integration and inter-agency collaboration, as maritime operations cannot be effectively managed by one institution alone. He cited pollution prevention, safety, and security as areas that require coordinated action among various stakeholders.
The GMA has been strengthening stakeholder engagement, particularly in areas such as decarbonization, to ensure that maritime-sector outcomes are collectively owned. Mr. Ang-numbaala noted that progress under the two-year World Maritime Day theme, "From Policy to Practice, Powering Maritime Excellence," should be assessed through measurable improvements in safety, security, and operational performance.
One of the indicators of progress will be whether Ghana's safety administration has improved, particularly through effective Port State Control (PSC) inspections. Ghana was recently adjudged the best compliance Port State Control at a meeting of the Abuja Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Gabon, indicating progress in implementing maritime standards. The GMA is working to increase the number and capacity of Port State Control officers responsible for inspecting vessels calling at Ghanaian ports.
On maritime security, stakeholders will want to see a reduction in incidents of piracy, armed robbery, and other maritime offences. The speed and effectiveness of response to incidents will also be an important measure of maritime security preparedness. The theme provides an opportunity for Ghana to return in a year's time with a clear scorecard of measures taken to translate international conventions, frameworks, and plans into operational excellence.
The GMA's efforts aim to ensure that vessels calling at Ghanaian ports are safe, comply with environmental requirements, and meet International Maritime Organisation standards. With sustained attention to technology, funding, capacity, and collaboration, Ghana can achieve operational excellence in the maritime sector and make progress under the World Maritime Day theme.
Key points
- The Ghana Maritime Authority identifies technology, funding, technical capacity, and inter-agency collaboration as critical requirements for achieving operational excellence in the maritime sector.
