Ghana and Denmark Strengthen ``Partnership for Good`` to Drive Green Shipping and Maritime Security
Representatives from the maritime, finance, and diplomatic sectors met to align Ghana’s green ambitions with the urgent need to protect the country’s territorial waters.
This bilateral exercise between the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) and the Danish Maritime Authority (DMA) serves as a trust-based effort to explore essential guidelines for supporting green transitions in developing countries. 
Focus Areas
The workshop discussed the future of sustainable shipping, highlighted a unique partnership for good that seeks to balance aggressive climate goals with the economic and security realities of the Gulf of Guinea.
A central theme of the workshop was the Clydebank Declaration, signed at COP26, which aims to establish “Green Shipping Corridors” consisting of zero-emission maritime routes between major ports. Significant progress has already been made in this area, including a pre-feasibility study in Ghana that was completed in 2025, with the next phase focusing on in-depth studies of selected routes.
Globally, there are now 84 green corridor initiatives, and Ghana was recently added to a select list of developing nations, including Namibia and Panama, that are receiving specific support from Denmark and the U.S. to realize these goals.
The discussions also featured a comprehensive presentation on the progress of Ghana’s National Action Plan (NAP) for shipping decarbonization.
This strategic framework serves as a vital blueprint for phasing out maritime greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while positioning the country to maximize economic and environmental opportunities during the global energy transition.
Furthermore, the collaborative efforts of the National Task Force and the IMO-GreenVoyage2050 Programme Team were highly commended for their commitment to developing a functional, fit-for-purpose plan tailored to Ghana’s maritime future.
Denmark
Opening the session, the Ambassador of Denmark to Ghana, Jakob Linulf characterized the relationship between the two nations as a “profound discussion among friends.” Emphasizing that the two countries are partners for the good,” Mr Linulf called for an open dialogue to navigate the complex transition toward greener shipping. 
GMA
The Director General of the Ghana Maritime Authority, Dr Kamal-Deen Ali, in his remarks noted that while the workshop focuses on a “Net-Zero” future, maritime security remains a fundamental prerequisite for any progress. 
He noted that protecting and ensuring maritime safety is paramount, suggesting that a recent pirate attack on Ghanaian fishing boats which left over nearly 60 seafarers stranded after 15 outboard motors were seized, was likely an opportunistic move by pirates who failed to find larger commercial targets. He reassured stakeholders that the government is taking decisive action to secure the coast, ensuring that security challenges do not derail the country’s broader maritime ambitions.
The Director of Climate Change at the Danish Maritime Authority (DMA), Jakob Haugaard in his remarks also called for a unified global approach to decarbonization, stressing that “the green shipping agenda” can only succeed through deep-seated collaboration.
Mr Haugaard also highlighted the urgent need to address how the industry will mobilize the necessary resources and finance to meet climate targets.
He said that a commitment to inclusivity by all is required within the global maritime community into taking decisive steps to ensure that no country is left behind in the transition to a sustainable future.
Participants
Participating at the workshop underscored the “Just Transition,” as the principle that developing nations should not be unfairly penalized by the high cost of green fuels.
A member of the Ghana Chamber of Shipping, Stanley Ahorlu, emphasized that for Ghana to remain competitive, the focus must be on financing ships that specifically enhance trans-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He pointed out that the transition will require significant capital, particularly the $4 billion needed for a fleet of 130 ships to boost regional trade, and questioned whether the necessary funding would be available under the current Net Zero Framework.
Participants also stressed the need for economic safeguards, raising concerns about “pollution taxes” on imports and proposed the creation of a Shipping Finance Fund, using seed funding from the GMA and Ghana Shippers’ Authority to attract private investment for green vessels. 
