By Buertey Francis BORYOR
The General Secretary of Ghana Merchant Navy Officers Association (GMNOA), Captain Onassis Bankas, has raised concerns about the state of the country’s maritime industry, especially in terms of training and the welfare of seafarers.
Speaking on Metro TV’s Eye on Port programme, Bankas said there is an urgent need to improve the nation’s seafarer training models to meet global standards. He explained that while many seafarers receive certificates after training, they often lack the practical experience needed to be competitive internationally.
“Our training must be practical. Right now, we have graduates who hold certificates but do not have hands-on skills. To compete globally, we need to change this,” he said.
Additionally, he highlighted major challenges in the maritime sector, such as the absence of simulators and training vessels. “We do not have a trading ship or simulators, and this makes training incomplete,” he said.
The captain also criticised unqualified individuals who falsely present themselves as seafarers, saying it damages the industry’s reputation. “Some people call themselves captains or engineers when they are not qualified. These practices hurt the profession, and the unions must address them,” he said.
Furthermore, he called on the country’s seafarers to unite under one voice by joining unions to strengthen their influence in the industry. According to him, the lack of unity among seafarers has weakened their ability to demand better conditions. “When we come together, we can push for our interests and close the gaps in the industry,” he urged.
Additionally, he highlighted the financial struggles of seafarers and their unions, stating that these challenges hinder their ability to advocate for change, advising unions to adopt better financial management and accountability practices to gain the resources needed to lobby effectively.
He therefore proposed the creation of a dedicated fund for seafarers, similar to a maritime development fund, to support their needs. “We need a seafarers’ fund, and all stakeholders, including ship owners, should contribute to this initiative,” he said.
The maritime officer called for stronger collaboration between seafarer unions, the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), and other stakeholders to improve recruitment and placement processes. He also suggested introducing bilateral agreements and a quota system for foreign companies operating in the country.
