By Juliet ETEFE ([email protected])
The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), together with industry players and seafarers, has reaffirmed commitment to eliminating harassment at sea – calling for collective action to create safer and more dignified working conditions for maritime professionals.
This bold call was made during the 2025 International Day of the Seafarer celebration in Accra, held under the theme ‘My Harassment-Free Ship’.
The occasion brought together key stakeholders to confront the persistent issue of harassment – verbal, psychological, physical and sexual – faced by seafarers and renew efforts toward a maritime industry grounded in safety, respect and accountability.
Acting Director-General of the GMA, Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali, underscored the urgent need for action against harassment that continues to plague many seafarers – especially those on long voyages, isolated from support systems.
“As Director of the Ghana Maritime Authority, I stand with a renewed sense of purpose to ensure that our flag vessels and seafarers – whether at home or abroad – are fully protected. A safe and courteous working environment at sea is not just desirable; it is a legal and moral obligation,” Dr. Kamal-Deen said.
Dr. Kamal-Deen also pointed to ongoing engagements with industry stakeholders, such as a workshop held the previous day with recruitment and placement service providers, to promote ethical practices and eliminate exploitative agency fees that burden seafarers.
He reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to raising standards, expanding cadet placements and reclaiming the country’s global reputation for producing world-class seafarers.
Delivering a speech on behalf of the Minister for Transport, Director of Human Resources at the ministry, Nathaniel Amonoo Wilson, reinforced government’s support for a harassment-free maritime sector.
He said government policies are increasingly focused on safeguarding the welfare of seafarers while positioning Ghana as a strong player in the global maritime labour market.
“This year’s theme is not just a slogan – it is a principle and a call to action. We are committed to strengthening institutional responses through ratification of relevant International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions that ensure the protection and rights of seafarers,” he said.
He also highlighted government’s investment in expanding training opportunities, building partnerships with reputable international shipping lines and enhancing cadet placement schemes to boost employment and foreign remittance generation.
Ghana’s seaports account for over 90% of international trade, making the safety and morale of seafarers not only a human rights issue but also a key component of national economic development.
The ministry therefore called for continuous collaboration between the GMA, Regional Maritime University (RMU) and private sector actors to sustain growth in the industry.
Representing the voice of seafarers, Engineer Teddy Mensah commended the GMA for its consistent efforts to address critical issues in the sector; particularly through awareness-raising events like the Seafarers’ Day forum.
He called on cadets and young professionals entering the industry to boldly report incidents of harassment, assuring them that there are mechanisms – both on board and onshore – for redress. However, he urged recruitment agencies and employers to also take these reports seriously and follow up with shipping companies to ensure accountability.
“Harassment, whether cultural, religious, gender-based or otherwise, has no place in this global industry. We must encourage seafarers to speak up and we must respond with action. It is the only way to protect the dignity of this noble profession,” he said.
