Deputy Minister for Transport, Hon. Dorcas Affo-Toffey has lauded the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) of its agenda to reset the Authority through several initiatives put in place upon assuming office.
According to her the Maritime sector Plays a pivotal role in Ghana’s Socioeconomic Development adding that for the Authority to do much in this short time in spite of limited funding is commendable.
Deputy Minister for Transport, Hon. Dorcas Affo-Toffey
The Deputy Minister gave the commendation when she paid a working visit to the Authority on Wednesday (October 1, 2025) to familiarize with their operations.
“I want the DG and the entire management to know that I will support my Minister to give you all the necessary support thar you need in enhancing Ghana Maritime sector because it is a very important sector”, Hon. Affo-Toffey emphasized.
The Jomoro Member of Parliament later appealed to the Authority to continue training Seafarers so that they can be exported abroad maintaining that it helps in creating job opportunities for the youth as well as generating foreign exchange earnings to the country.
Director General of GMA, Dr. Kamal Deen Ali
She assured the Authority of her commitment to support the Sector Minister in providing logistical support to make them efficient and viable.
On his part, the Director General of GMA, Dr. Kamal Deen Ali appealed to government to support the Authority in the area of logistics and funding as the cost of maintaining maritime security is very high.
He revealed that maritime security is 70% of Ghana’s overall security calling for the need to invest a lot on surveillance and equipment which he said are very pivotal for maritime safety and security.
The Retired Naval Chief and Maritime Law and Security Expert also appealed to the Deputy Minister to expedite action on legislative instruments on maritime to enable the Authority adhere to international standards and obligations.
“Because we are expected to keep international Standards, the clock is always running against us so we what it means is that once we have those international standards and obligations, then we must make sure that as soon as possible we get the legislative processes completed so we will continue to count on you and the Minister”, the Director General appealed.
He however commended the Ministry for its effort to get the Maritime Offences Act to be laid in Parliament to enhance the sanction regime of GMA when passed into law.
Dr.Kamal-Deen later enumerated some projects it is undertaking including upgrades of Vessel Traffic Mapping Information System (VTMIS)-which provides surveillance on maritime activities, boat load markings which ensure boat owners do not over load and establishment of satelite offices in Jomoro and Ahanta in the Western Region among others.
He expressed his commitment towards ensuring that GMA becomes a world class maritime Authority in alignment with the reset agenda of the President.
Executive Officer of Director General Commander Jabbar Bentle
Earlier, the Executive Officer of Director General, Commander Jabbar Bentle took the Minister and her delegation through the operations of the GMA emphasizing that the mission of GMA is to ensure the seas and inland waters of Ghana are safe, clean and secure and to facilitate the contribution of these assets to national economic and social development.
Source:www.senaradioonline.com
