The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) and the National Fisheries Association of Ghana (NAFAG) have launched a collaborative initiative to address escalating concerns in the country’s maritime sector, including rising illegal activities in oil and gas protection zones, piracy, and maritime security.
During a recent engagement, Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali, the Director-General of GMA, met with key stakeholders in the fishery sector to discuss enhancing maritime safety and promoting sustainable fishing practices. A significant topic of concern was the sharp rise in the number of illegal incursions into oil and gas zones, with 78 reported cases in 2024, compared to just 27 in the previous year.
Dr. Ali highlighted the growing threat posed by these incursions, warning that such unlawful activities compromise both national security and offshore oil operations. He stressed that while the GMA understands the challenges faced by artisanal fishers, the safety of Ghana’s maritime domain remains paramount. “The unlawful presence of canoes in these zones not only endangers lives but also threatens vital national assets,” he said. He further added that the situation had reached an unacceptable level, and if such incidents were occurring in a developed nation, it would be declared a national crisis.
The meeting also addressed the increasingly prevalent issue of piracy, which continues to pose a grave threat to both seafarers and global maritime trade routes. Dr. Ali expressed concern over the financial and safety implications of piracy on Ghana’s shipping industry and outlined plans to engage relevant stakeholders to bolster maritime surveillance and improve security in Ghana’s territorial waters.
The GMA is also planning a formal engagement with industry leaders to improve the working conditions of seafarers, acknowledging the indispensable role maritime workers play in sustaining the shipping industry.
Nana Jojo Solomon, the President of NAFAG, recognized the severity of the issue and reiterated the association’s commitment to supporting the GMA’s efforts. He emphasized that many of the artisanal fishers, particularly those using canoes, were unaware of the locations of the oil and gas zones or the risks involved. He urged for enhanced educational outreach programs to help inform members of the fishing community about the dangers of encroaching into these protected areas.
NAFAG also reaffirmed its commitment to promoting safe and sustainable fishing practices and pledged to work closely with the GMA and other stakeholders to minimize the threats to Ghana’s maritime space.
