The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has expanded its operational presence by nearly 70 percent over the past year. This expansion aims to strengthen regulation, improve safety standards, and enhance oversight of inland water transport across Ghana.
The move is part of a broader strategy to deepen the authority’s presence in critical inland water and coastal communities. It also seeks to improve service delivery and enforce maritime safety regulations. The GMA is establishing new Inland Water Safety Regulatory Offices in locations such as Kete Krachi, Bamboi, Saboba, Wa, Agona, Ngalichie, and Shama.
This initiative responds to the vital role water transport plays in the economic activity of Ghana’s inland communities. Historically, the GMA focused primarily on coastal operations. This expansion reflects a strategic pivot towards comprehensive national coverage, especially in regions relying heavily on rivers and lakes for commerce and transportation. The initiative aligns with Ghana's ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and safety across all transportation sectors, aiming to mitigate risks and foster economic growth.
Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali, Director-General of the Ghana Maritime Authority, stated that the expansion has gone almost 70 percent beyond what they met when assuming office. He made this statement at the inauguration of 200 Inland Water Safety Guards and the launch of the Life-Jacket for Safety and Livelihood Initiative in Accra. The expansion programme aims to improve monitoring, enforcement, and stakeholder engagement along major inland waterways.
Looking ahead, the Ghana Maritime Authority plans to establish further offices along the eastern border corridor from Ada to the border with Togo. The authority also aims to roll out a large-scale life-jacket programme involving 20,000 life-jackets, making them available through subsidised sales and rental arrangements. This proactive approach seeks to significantly reduce preventable accidents, which currently result from overloading, adverse weather conditions, and passengers not wearing available life jackets. These measures are crucial for protecting lives and supporting livelihoods across the country's inland communities.