GMA Sustains Efforts to Bridge Seatime Deficit; Deploys New Batch of Cadets
This latest group represents the continued success of the GMA’s seafaring promotion policy.
During an appreciation visit to the Director-General, the cadets, some of whom had been waiting years for an opening expressed their gratitude as the Authority accelerates its placement program to clear the backlog of graduates needing mandatory sea experience. 
Bridging the Gap
The cadets are among 20 recruits, including Electro-technical, marine engine, and deck engine cadets, who have completed mandatory certification and medical processes.
Managed by the placement agency World Recruits, this group is being deployed to Bahri Ship Management for the 12-months mandatory sea time. This sea service is an essential bridge between academic theory and the high-stakes reality of operating a vessel.
It is a global standard mandated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) through the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) Convention, which sets the universal requirements for training and certification.
This ensures cadets can legally work as officers on international vessels once they have acquired their Certificate of Competency (CoC) following the completion of their sea time.
Stories of Hope
The stories of the departing cadets highlight the daunting challenges many graduates face. Some revealed they had been home for four to five years without the sea time required to complete their professional certification. 
Among the group is Joses Arko-Mensah, a 41-year-old Electro-Technical graduate. Driven by a desire to uphold the legacy of his late father, a marine engineer, Joses navigated a long academic path through technical courses and polytechnic education before graduating from the Regional Maritime University in 2025.
Another cadet, Kenneth Kweku Angmortey, shared that he had waited five years after completing his Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering before this opportunity surfaced.
The cohort also includes deck cadet Yvonne Adjoa Alihonu, who despite a background in General Arts, chose to pursue Nautical Science after learning about the vast career prospects available at sea.
Sustainable Funding
Addressing the delegation, the Director-General, Dr Kamal-Deen Ali (Naval Capt Rtd), emphasised that these deployments are a clear signal that the Authority’s efforts are yielding tangible results. “There’s nothing that succeeds change if it’s not driven by passion,” the DG told the group, adding that the number of cadets leaving for the sea time shows that with synergy, the industry can create real opportunities for its youth.
Dr Ali also noted that the GMA takes cadet development seriously as a primary driver for maritime labor. Acknowledging the high cost of maritime training, the DG said that the establishment of a dedicated fund to support seafarer development remains key.
He suggested a multi-faceted approach involving government support, philanthropic contributions, and “pay-it-forward” contributions from active seafarers to ensure the fund’s long-term sustainability.
Reputation
The Deputy Director-General, Masawudu Mubarick whose engagements with Bahri Ship Management at the 2025 African Maritime Conference in Ethiopia paved the way for these slots, remarked that the cadets are vital representatives of Ghana’s ambition to lead maritime labor supply in Africa. “As you embark on your journeys, your work ethic and professional conduct remain paramount, especially given Ghana’s global reputation for excellence,” Mr Mubarick advised.
The Director of the Maritime Services Division, Ms Janet Houghman Addy, and the Acting Head of Public Relations, Ms Susie Afua Kotoku, both reminded the cadets that their performance would directly influence future opportunities for those following in their footsteps. 
The CEO of World Recruits, Sandra Larbi, commended the GMA and the Director-General for the strategic guidance and support provided to the agency.
Representing his peers, Joses Arko-Mensah pledged that the group would uphold international regulations and perform with the utmost diligence, marking a new chapter in Ghana’s quest to become a premier hub for professional seafarers.
