The Governing Board of the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has completed a three-day working tour of the Western Region.

The visit, led by its Chairperson, Madam Jemilat Jawulaa Mahamah, and Director-General Dr Kamal-Deen Ali (Naval Capt rtd.) was aimed at strengthening oversight and familiarizing the Board with the Authority’s operations and key regional stakeholders.

Also joined on the trip was the Deputy Minister for Transport and Member of Parliament for Jomoro, Ms Dorcas Affo-Toffey. The delegation visited the GMA offices in Takoradi and Axim and engaged with key partner agencies including the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), the Ghana Marine Police, and the Sekondi Naval Base.

The Board also inspected the ongoing construction of a new modern office complex in Takoradi, where it tasked contractors to ensure delivery timelines were met.

Enhanced Collaboration

Discussions with partner agencies centered on enhancing collaboration and resource sharing to strengthen maritime security while working towards achieving the government’s goal of job creation.

At a meeting with the Marine Police Unit, officials expressed gratitude for the GMA’s support in renovating training facilities and procuring patrol boats.

They also raised concerns about the condition of the Unit’s training school, appealing to the GMA to support the reconstruction of some facilities to aid the training of recruits.

The Board Chair, Madam Mahamah, acknowledged the high costs but assured them that the GMA would consider the requests for support.

Jomoro

The team, also held engagements with local community stakeholders at the Jehwi Wharf.

During the interactions, concerns were raised about the pollution of the Tano River from illegal mining, the lack of life jackets for passenger safety, overgrowth of seaweed impeding navigation, and overlapping roles among officials at the Wharf.

The Director-General, Dr Kamal-Deen Ali, urged all agencies to enhance their collaboration for the common goal of maritime safety and security, assuring them that their concerns would be carefully considered.