Accra: The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has joined the global community to celebrate this year's World Maritime Day. The GMA commenced the celebration with a float and community engagement at Mantse Agbona in Jamestown, Accra.
According to Ghana News Agency, the three-day event, themed 'Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity,' aims to draw attention to the ocean's vital role in the global economy and the maritime industry's responsibility to protect it. Captain (Rtd) Dr. Ali Kamal-Deen, the Director General of the GMA, emphasized Ghana's commitment to leveraging maritime resources for economic benefits while ensuring safety and security in its maritime domain. He noted that the maritime sector offers opportunities that could drive sustainable development if properly harnessed.
Dr. Kamal-Deen pointed out that the maritime industry is essential for transporting 90% of the world's cargo, including crucial items like medicines and industrial inputs. On security matters, he mentioned that the GMA is working on keeping the maritime space safe, preventing pollution, and addressing piracy concerns. Ghana's collaborative efforts with Cote d'Ivoire, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and others aim to ensure maritime safety and security in the region. The GMA is also upgrading its Vessel Traffic Monitoring System for 24-hour coverage of Ghana's maritime space up to 200 nautical miles.
Underscoring the importance of stakeholder collaboration, Capt. Kamal-Deen urged stakeholders to acknowledge their shared responsibility in protecting marine resources, reiterating the GMA's commitment to promoting sustainability and safety in the sector. He encouraged all stakeholders to ensure maritime safety in the subregion.
In addition to securing Ghana's maritime space, the Authority is deploying vessels for inland water safety to prevent accidents and ensure community safety. The celebration is expected to highlight the ocean's significance as a source of food, jobs, and livelihood, emphasize collective responsibility in safeguarding the marine environment, and explore opportunities within the maritime sector.
World Maritime Day is an annual United Nations observance that celebrates the international maritime industry and highlights shipping safety, security, and the marine environment.