Omanghana
The Ministry of Transport has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to developing a safer, more efficient and sustainable maritime sector to support Ghana’s economic transformation.
Deputy Transport Minister Dorcas Affo-Toffey outlined the commitment during a stakeholder gathering at the Ghana Maritime Authority’s head office in Accra to commemorate World Maritime Day 2026.
Held under the theme “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence,” the event focused on translating maritime policies into practical improvements in navigation, port operations, environmental protection and workforce development.
Among the government’s priorities is support for the Ghana Maritime Authority to establish an independent hydrography office. The initiative is intended to reduce Ghana’s reliance on navigational charts and maps supplied by the United Kingdom while strengthening local technical expertise.
The proposed facility is also expected to improve navigational safety and create opportunities for specialized employment within the maritime sector.
As part of the broader reform effort, the authority has introduced a 2026–2027 policy implementation roadmap. It is designed to identify gaps in regulatory enforcement, assign responsibilities to stakeholders and establish measurable performance indicators to support maritime improvements in the Gulf of Guinea.
Technology and operational efficiency also featured prominently in the discussions. Authorities highlighted the Just-In-Time Sailing Project, which uses predictive data to improve vessel scheduling, reduce waiting times and lower fuel consumption and associated emissions.
The initiative forms part of efforts to make port operations more efficient while addressing the environmental impact of shipping.
Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe emphasized the importance of investing in people alongside digital systems and cleaner technologies. He identified seafarer welfare, specialized training and strong environmental safeguards as essential components of maritime development.
He also stressed the need for effective enforcement of environmental safety requirements to prevent marine oil spills and protect coastal ecosystems.
The International Maritime Organization’s Regional Coordinator, Capt. Dallas Laryea, commended Ghana’s efforts and underscored the importance of implementing international maritime conventions. He noted that progress should be assessed through practical compliance with safety obligations, rather than the signing of agreements alone.
With support from the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, Affo-Toffey called for closer cooperation among public institutions, private shipping operators and coastal communities.
She urged stakeholders to combine resources and expertise, stressing that sustained maritime development requires collective action across the sector.
Source: Omanghana
