The Minister for Transport, Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has reassured Ghana’s commitment to strengthening regional maritime cooperation at the 19th Session of the General Assembly of the Maritime Organization of West and Central Africa (MOWCA), which coincided with the 50th Anniversary celebration of the organisation, held in Banjul, The Gambia.
The Minister stated that the Organization’s mandate to drive the maritime aspirations of member states remains more relevant today, particularly in the face of rapid global transformation within the maritime industry. He stressed that Africa must actively participate in shaping these global developments to ensure that the continent’s realities and development priorities are reflected in emerging international maritime frameworks.
“As a continent, we must take stock of our collective strengths and weaknesses. Africa is rich in coastline, strategic sea routes, youthful human capital, and growing markets. Engagement in global security discussions and technical bodies allows us to contribute to and benefit from collective solutions, technologies, and best practices that help protect our coasts, our waters, and our Nations,” he added.
The Minister further highlighted Ghana’s ongoing investments in port modernization, maritime administration reforms, seafarer development, and enhanced maritime security coordination. He however emphasized that national efforts alone were insufficient, reiterating the need for collective action among African states.
Hon. Nikpe emphasized that technological advancements have made security challenges at sea more complex and far-reaching. He reiterated issues such as piracy, cyber threats and illegal maritime activities, noting that maritime security was no longer solely a naval concern but an economic, environmental and national security priority. He added that, collective action would enable member states to develop green port initiatives, invest in alternative marine fuels, strengthen maritime education and training, and ensure that African seafarers remained competitive in an increasingly digital and automated shipping industry.
“Ghana is strengthening Institutional Frameworks, improving training, and working with Regional and International Partners to promote safe, secure, and sustainable shipping. However, National efforts alone are not enough,” he stressed.
He further noted that approximately 90 percent of global trade was carried by sea, therefore, efficient and resilient maritime transport systems were essential to economic prosperity, food security, industrialization and regional integration, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework. He expressed optimism that MOWCA’s 50th Anniversary would usher in a new era of innovation, unity and strategic action for the sub-region.
The Minister, Hon. Nikpe, conveyed warm greetings from the people of Ghana and congratulated MOWCA on its 50th Anniversary. He also commended the President of The Gambia, H.E. Adama Barrow, and the Government on their Independence Day anniversary celebrations and for the successful hosting of the General Assembly.
The 19th Session of the MOWCA General Assembly united Ministers responsible for maritime transport, senior officials, representatives of the International Maritime Organization, and other key stakeholders from across West and Central Africa to deliberate on the future of maritime development in the region.
