The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) on Monday, July 6, 2026, received the Director of the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO), Dr John Nyberg, for a courtesy call as part of renewed efforts to build the country’s hydrographic capacity.

 

The visit was aimed to strengthen bilateral ties, communicate the value of hydrography in West Africa, and map out strategic pathways for expanding Ghana’s hydrographic profile. The engagement also forms part of GMA’s broader drive to modernise its maritime services and align Ghana’s hydrographic infrastructure with international best practices.

Hydrographic surveys of the sea allow vessels to know the exact depth of the water and the location of underwater hazards (like wrecks, rocks, and sandbars) to prevent groundings and collisions.

Internal Capacity

In welcoming Dr Nyberg, the Director General of the GMA, Dr Kamal-Deen Ali (Naval Capt. Rtd), stated that while Ghana appears to be making steady progress from an external standpoint, significant internal structural work is required to achieve full operational depth.

To address existing gaps and build robust blocks for the sector, the DG revealed that senior-level stakeholder consultations have already been held with the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) and the Director-General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA). “The Authority has also engaged the Nigerian Hydrographic Agency to explore areas of bilateral support and leverage shared regional expertise”, Dr Ali said.

 

Despite the technical complexities, Dr Ali expressed optimism about the take-off of the country’s expanded hydrographic vision, highlighted by the ongoing establishment of a national hydrographic office within the GMA’s new head office building. “We expect to initiate foundational hydrography operations toward the end of 2026, following support from the Government of Ghana,” he stated.

To ensure a seamless rollout and long-term sustainability, Dr Ali expressed a keen desire for the IHO to provide a technical expert to serve as an on-site mentor, guiding the local team through its structural infancy. “My greatest fear is getting the internal settings well. Once we are able to get a structure that works, it will flow”, the Director General noted

IHO
Responding to Ghana’s commitments, the IHO Director, Dr John Nyberg, commended the GMA for actively demonstrating the value of hydrography across the country and the sub-region.

He lauded Ghana’s active membership and the high level of staff participation in international hydrographic activities internationally.

Dr Nyberg emphasised that building a sustainable hydrographic framework is central to national development, noting that hydrographic data is a vital national asset. “Ghana is a big player in the region, and taking these steps is key. The data you (GMA) collects is a national asset, and ensure you are building a structure that can support the people of Ghana”, Dr Nyberg said.

 

Hydrography, he noted plays a foundation role in everything, and indirectly influences broader socio-economic planning, down to whether we are developing a hospital or other critical infrastructure.

Explaining the global mandate of his outfit, Dr Nyberg stated that while the IHO is primarily a standards organisation focused on the collection and distribution of hydrographic data, its technical reach extends to ocean currents, navigation warnings, and maritime boundaries.

He recommended that the GMA focus on developing a tailor-made, country-designed training program to nurture technically inclined local personnel into world-class hydrographic experts.

Committing
The Head of the Hydrography Unit of the GMA, Marilyn Eghan, the visit as one that signals international validation of GMA’s efforts and opens crucial doors for technical assistance.

 

She affirmed that Ghana looks forward to working hand-in-hand with the IHO to build deep, localised capacity, which will ultimately support safer maritime navigation and the sustainable development of Ghana’s blue economy.