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By Samuel Asamoah
The Centre for International Maritime Affairs, Ghana (CIMAG) has welcomed Parliament’s passage of the Maritime and Other Offences Act, describing the legislation as a major milestone in strengthening Ghana’s maritime security architecture and aligning the country’s legal framework with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
In a statement issued in Tema on July 1, CIMAG commended Parliament, the Government of Ghana and maritime stakeholders for enacting the legislation, which domesticates key provisions of UNCLOS and provides a stronger legal basis for tackling maritime crimes within Ghana’s territorial waters and maritime zones.
The maritime policy think tank said the law represents the culmination of years of advocacy by CIMAG alongside civil society organisations, industry players, security agencies and lawmakers for a modern legal framework to address emerging maritime security threats.
According to CIMAG, the new legislation will significantly enhance Ghana’s ability to investigate and prosecute offences such as piracy, armed robbery at sea, illegal bunkering and other maritime crimes in accordance with international law.
The organisation noted that the strengthened legal regime would also improve investor confidence by assuring international shipping companies, port operators and development partners that Ghana remains a secure and rules-based maritime jurisdiction.
CIMAG further stated that the Act would provide greater protection for Ghanaian seafarers, fisherfolk and the country’s marine resources by strengthening measures against criminal activities that threaten lives, livelihoods and the marine environment.
Executive Director of CIMAG, Albert Derrick Fiatui, described the passage of the law as a significant achievement for Ghana’s maritime sector.
“Today, Ghana has answered a call CIMAG and other stakeholders have made for years,” he said.
Mr. Fiatui commended the Government, Parliament, the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), the Ghana Navy, the Attorney-General’s Department and other stakeholders for supporting the passage of the legislation.
He, however, stressed that effective implementation would be critical to achieving the objectives of the law.
“Legislation alone is not enough. We now urge robust enforcement, inter-agency training and coordination so this law delivers safer seas and a stronger blue economy,” he stated.
CIMAG pledged to continue supporting the implementation of the Act through technical advocacy, policy research, policy briefs and capacity-building initiatives aimed at strengthening Ghana’s maritime governance framework.
The enactment of the Maritime and Other Offences Act is expected to bolster Ghana’s efforts to combat transnational maritime crime, enhance maritime safety and security, and support the sustainable development of the country’s growing blue economy while ensuring compliance with international maritime legal standards.
