GMA Marks Day of the Seafarer with Focus on Welfare and Industry Growth
Held under the theme, “Carrying world trade. Carrying the Risks,” the event brought together seafarers, industry stakeholders, and GMA management. To mark the occasion, GMA executives stepped into frontline roles, personally assisting visiting seafarers with certification and vessel registration.
A Backbone of Global Trade
Speaking at the event, the Director-General of GMA, Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali (Naval Capt Rtd.), highlighted that the world remains interconnected because of the maritime domain, with seafarers serving as the backbone of global commerce.
Dr Ali noted that the occasion holds historical significance for Ghana, recalling that the nation’s first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, established the Black Star Line to strengthen Ghana’s maritime footprint, a visionary move, he said launched the country’s capacity to export skilled seafaring labor to the world.
IMO White List
The Director-General also disclosed that Ghana maintains its prestigious status on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) “White List.”
This recognition, he said, confirms that the country meets strict international standards for maritime education, training, and certification, making Ghana a preferred certification hub across Africa.
To build on this momentum, Dr Ali announced the upcoming launch of the National Seafarer Development Policy (NSDP). “This initiative has been designed to boost employment for Ghanaian seafarers, offer financial relief to maritime students, and open career pathways in the maritime sector for young people,” Dr Ali stated.
He assured the youth that the GMA remains fully open to nurturing their talents to fit into the global maritime labor space.
Recognizing the Invisible Force
The Deputy Director-General of the GMA, Mubarick Masawudu, in his remarks also emphasized the immense sacrifices seafarers make, noting that they transport roughly 90 percent of global trade.
“They spend long months away from families, enduring harsh weather, isolation, and deep physical and mental challenges, and without their commitment, our economy would drown,” Mr Masawudu said.
He also referenced recent concerns raised by the IMO Secretary-General regarding the geopolitical risks seafarers face while navigating volatile waters like the Strait of Hormuz, describing the situation as harrowing for seafarers.
Digitalization and Cadet Opportunities
To improve the seafaring experience, Mr Masawudu announced that the GMA is rolling out digital platforms, allowing seafarers to access essential services remotely.
Additionally, the Authority, he said, is expanding its internal capacity to provide dedicated career guidance and mental health support to seafarers.
Addressing the critical shortage of practical training opportunities for maritime cadets, Mr Masawudu revealed that the GMA is actively collaborating with shipowners and manning agencies to directly facilitate mandatory sea-time placements for Ghanaian trainees. He remains hopeful that this pathway would position Ghana as the preferred maritime labor supply centre within the West African sub-region.
