Accra: The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has announced the full operationalisation of its inland waterway unit to supervise boat operations on the nation's inland waterways. Dr Kamal-Deen Ali, the Director-General of GMA, made this announcement during the commemoration durbar of the 2025 World Maritime Day, themed 'Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity'.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr Ali highlighted that the inland waterway unit, headquartered in Akosombo, aligns with the government's vision of a 24-hour economy. This initiative aims to facilitate the transport of people, goods, and services across the country's rivers, thereby boosting economic activity. The GMA is currently working on identifying areas along the waterways for infrastructure improvements, better navigation aids, and enhanced enforcement of safety standards.
Dr Ali also mentioned ongoing discussions with the Ghana Navy to operate GMA's Tier 3 oil response vessel, MV ESTHER OCLOO, in offshore oil fields. This collaboration aims to enhance safety and security within these fields and enforce standards. The vessel is equipped for Tier 3 oil spill response, ensuring protection of the marine environment.
In terms of infrastructure development, the GMA has invested in advanced surveillance technology and an upgraded Vessel Traffic Monitoring Information System (VTMIS). These systems will enhance monitoring capabilities and improve maritime surveillance within Ghana's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Plans for a Maritime Fusion Centre are also underway to integrate data from various agencies and partners, facilitating real-time intelligence sharing and rapid response to maritime threats.
The GMA is undergoing a staff realignment exercise to optimize staff performance and productivity. Earlier this year, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with key partners to improve seafarers' working and living conditions, demonstrating GMA's transformation into a proactive facilitator of sustainable maritime growth.
Dr Ali emphasized the importance of addressing environmental challenges, noting the significant role the ocean plays in Ghana's economy and livelihoods. He highlighted the problem of plastic pollution, citing UNEP estimates of 11 million metric tonnes of plastic entering the ocean annually. This pollution poses economic and public health challenges, affecting fisheries, tourism, and food security.
Dr Ali called for collective action beyond policy measures. He urged fisherfolk to retrieve lost nets, shipping operators to manage waste responsibly, households to reduce single-use plastics, and communities to lead clean-up initiatives. He stressed that if every household stopped discarding plastic into gutters, significant waste could be removed from the marine environment each year.