Accra: Mr Joseph Bukari Nikpe, the Minister of Transport, has pledged support for the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) in enforcing licensing regimes and safeguarding the rights of seafarers in the country. He stated that the Ministry would provide necessary backing to promote inclusive participation, particularly for women and young professionals in the maritime industry.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Nikpe's remarks were delivered in a speech read by Mr Nathaniel Wilson, the Deputy Director of Human Resource at the Ministry of Transport, during a stakeholder workshop for Seafarer Recruitment and Placement Service providers (SRPS) organized by GMA in Accra. The session aimed at coordinating Ghana's maritime industry for sustainable outcomes and discussed safe and transparent recruitment procedures under the theme: 'Strengthening SRPS Regulation, Compliance and Seafarer Welfare in Ghana.'
The forum took place ahead of the International Day of the Seafarer, celebrated annually on June 25. Mr Nikpe emphasized the importance of transparent, fair, and safe recruitment processes for seafarers, underscoring ethical recruitment and livable wages as developmental imperatives.
Mr Nikpe also highlighted the government's 'Accelerated Export Development Programme' and other initiatives to create jobs and enhance growth in the maritime and logistics sector. He noted that the reinvigorated Made-in-Ghana agenda would deepen support for local industries, creating more opportunities for Ghanaian workers. Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the shipping and recruitment space would benefit from incentives such as tax relief and enhanced operational security, which would help them scale up and contribute to economic growth and job creation.
Additionally, Mr Nikpe urged the GMA to collaborate with the Regional Maritime University (RMU) to train more Ghanaian seafarers and mentioned partnerships with international bodies, shipowners, and labour organizations to ensure that local maritime standards meet international requirements.
Dr Kamal-Deen Ali, the Director General of GMA, highlighted the importance of collaboration with industry partners to create jobs. He indicated that a team had been established to strengthen SRSP regulation, compliance, and seafarer welfare in Ghana, aiming to create a thriving industry with increased job opportunities. Dr Ali also outlined plans to enhance GMA's international responsibilities, including rectifying relevant International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions to improve governance in the maritime industry. Furthermore, he proposed setting an agenda to increase seafarer placement and recruitment over the next five years and suggested minimal incentives for compliant companies to encourage adherence to standards.
Participants in the workshop expressed concerns and challenges faced in the sector and proposed solutions to boost operations and growth.
