The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has received laudation from members of Parliament’s Select Committee on Roads and Transport.

The Members of Parliament said they were highly impressed by the work the Authority was doing in securing the safety and security of Ghana’s maritime domain, enhancing the safety of navigation, and facilitating the efficient delivery of shipping services.

The committee’s constitutional oversight responsibilities of assessing the operations, challenges and strategic direction of key institutions within the transport sector took it to a number of state institutions.

In conformity with this duty, the Committee’s members on Wednesday paid a familiarization visit to GMA at its head-office in Accra.

The committee was welcomed by Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali, Director-General of GMA who said the visit was timely as the Authority urgently needed the support of the Committee to pass important legislations which will facilitate its work.

Dr. Ali emphasized the Authority’s renewed focus on seafarer employment. He said the Authority was focused on enhancing job creation in tandem with the government’s overall agenda of creating opportunities for the citizenry to secure decent jobs. He said that this area is a priority under his leadership.

The Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Isaac Adjei Mensah (MP for Wassa East) expressed his appreciation for the warm reception, particularly acknowledging the Authority’s swift response despite the short notice of the visit.

He commended the GMA for its progressive and strategic vision and assured the Authority of Parliament’s commitment to supporting its operations, particularly in areas that require legislative or budgetary intervention.

The Director of Technical Services Division of GMA, Capt. Inusah Abdul-Nasir gave a brief overview of the authority’s operations. His presentation outlined the mandate, structure and operations of the GMA, which was established under Act 630 of 2002 to regulate, monitor and coordinate maritime activities in Ghana. Key areas of focus included maritime safety, administration, maritime security and environmental protection.

The committee was briefed on several initiatives currently being implemented by the Authority. These included the upgrade of the Vessel Traffic Management Information System (VTMIS). Capt. Inusah said that the VTMIS “is a very effective system for comprehensive and continuous surveillance of the maritime domain and it is run 24/7. It is to ensure that all the maritime resources including offshore activities or structures are protected”. He said there were efforts to improve navigation on inland waterways through the removal of tree stumps and other obstructions. In terms of the protection of the marine environment, the Director, Technical noted the acquisition of a multi-purpose vessel, MV Esther Afua Ocloo, equipped with oil spill response tools, by the Authority.

The Ghana Maritime Authority reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening maritime governance, promoting safety and sustainability and contributing to the growth of Ghana’s blue economy.