Ghana to Launch National Seafarer Development Programme as GMA Pushes for More Jobs, Women Participation

By Samuel Asamoah and Naillatu Iddrisu 

The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has announced plans to roll out a National Seafarer Development Programme aimed at expanding employment opportunities, improving the welfare of Ghanaian seafarers, increasing female participation in the maritime industry, and positioning Ghana as a leading maritime nation in West Africa.

The programme, which is expected to be launched by President John Dramani Mahama in the coming months, was announced by the Director-General of the Ghana Maritime Authority, Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali, during this year’s International Day of the Seafarer celebration in Tema.

Speaking to journalists after interacting with seafarers at the Authority’s Tema office, Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali said the initiative will provide a comprehensive policy framework to develop Ghana’s maritime workforce while creating sustainable economic opportunities for citizens.

He explained that the programme is designed to improve the welfare of Ghanaian seafarers, increase the country’s pool of qualified maritime professionals, and maximise foreign exchange earnings through remittances from Ghanaians employed on international vessels.

“The programme will contain a clear action plan for developing the sector and ensuring that Ghana fully benefits from the enormous opportunities available in the global maritime industry,” he said.

Support for Maritime Education

Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali identified the high cost of maritime training as one of the major barriers preventing many young Ghanaians from entering the profession.

To address the challenge, he disclosed that the Authority is working on mechanisms to ease the financial burden on prospective seafarers through an educational loan scheme.

According to him, the initiative will also seek to integrate seafarers into national social protection programmes, including the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), to improve their long-term welfare and retirement security.

He said investing in human capital remains essential if Ghana is to become a competitive maritime hub capable of supplying skilled seafarers to the global shipping industry.

Call for More Women to Join the Profession

The Director-General also used the occasion to encourage more women to pursue careers in seafaring, describing the industry as one that offers rewarding professional and economic opportunities regardless of gender.

He said increasing female participation forms part of the Authority’s broader vision of building a more inclusive maritime workforce and breaking longstanding stereotypes that portray seafaring as a male-dominated profession.

Several female seafarers who participated in the event shared their experiences, describing the profession as challenging but fulfilling.

They encouraged young women to take advantage of opportunities within the maritime sector, stressing that determination, discipline and continuous professional training can enable women to excel alongside their male counterparts.

Building on International Recognition

Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali commended previous leadership of the Ghana Maritime Authority for laying the foundation that has earned Ghana international recognition as a White List nation under global maritime standards.

He explained that the status signifies that Ghana’s maritime education, training and certification systems meet internationally accepted standards, allowing certificates issued in the country to receive global recognition.

According to him, the achievement has made Ghana an attractive destination for maritime professionals from countries including Nigeria and Cameroon who seek internationally recognised certification.

He pledged that the current management would sustain those gains through the implementation of a comprehensive national maritime policy and continued investment in maritime education and professional development.

Engagement with Seafarers

As part of the International Day of the Seafarer activities, Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali and the Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Maritime Authority, Mr. Mubarik Masahudu, interacted with seafarers who had visited the Authority to renew their certificates and write entrance examinations.

The engagement provided an opportunity for the Authority to receive feedback on the challenges confronting seafarers while reaffirming its commitment to improving working conditions and career opportunities within the industry.

Mr. Masahudu encouraged the seafarers to remain dedicated to their profession and uphold the highest standards of discipline and professionalism.

Some of the seafarers were given souvenirs by the Director-General in appreciation of the profession they have decided to pursue.

The International Day of the Seafarer is observed annually on June 25 to recognise the indispensable role played by seafarers in facilitating global trade and sustaining international supply chains. The Ghana Maritime Authority says the upcoming National Seafarer Development Programme marks a significant step towards strengthening Ghana’s maritime workforce and enhancing the country’s competitiveness in the global shipping industry.