Mr. Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, the minister of transportation, has urged sailors to actively take part in initiatives being taken to lessen trash and pollution in the maritime ecology.
The minister referred to seafarers as the guardians of the environment at sea and urged them to abide by laws designed to minimize human effect on the ocean, avoid pollution, and prevent oil spills.
At this year's Day of the Seafarer ceremony in Accra on Friday, Mr. Asiamah gave a remark that was read on his behalf. He said: "Shipping, although shown to be the least environmentally destructive means of transportation, continues to significantly contribute to global carbon emissions.
Therefore, it is crucial that all parties involved cooperate in order to limit emissions and safeguard the marine ecosystem. Given that seafarers spend a lot of time at sea and are consequently crucial to the preservation of the marine environment, this charge can start with them.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) organizes the annual Day of the Seafarer on June 25 to recognize the special and important role that seafarers play in the global community. The Day of the Seafarer was established in 2010 by a United Nations (UN) resolution.
The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) organized a celebration at the Regional Maritime University (RMU) this year with the subject "MARPOL @50: our commitment goes on."
The principal international convention addressing the prevention of marine environment pollution by ships from operational or accidental sources is the Marine Environment Pollution Prevention (MARPOL). It was approved by IMO on November 2, 1973.
Mr. Asiamah stated that the government had accepted the MARPOL Convention, which was implemented locally by the Ghana Maritime Pollution Act, 2016 (ACT 932), through the protection of Ghana's marine environment. This was done to recognize and commend the efforts of seafarers.
The ratification of several international treaties, the passing of regulations, and the organization of training for seafarers in cooperation with the GMA and the RMU, according to him, demonstrate how seriously the government has taken the safety and wellbeing of seafarers.
Mr. Asiamah stated that in order to continue these efforts, the government was expecting Parliament's approval and ratification of the ILO Work in Fishing Convention (2007) ILO C188 as well as the IMO Cape Town Agreement (CTA 2012).
According to him, if both conventions are passed, "Fishers will have decent working conditions on board fishing vessels with regards to the minimum requirement for work, conditions of service, accommodation and food, occupational safety, as well as the medical care and social security concerns of Fishers."
In order to improve the skills needed for their protection at sea and to survive any accidents, Mr. Asiamah stated that the GMA would shortly launch safety and security courses for fishermen at the RMU in partnership with the Danish Maritime Authority.
Despite the risky nature of their work, the GMA's Director General, Mr. Thomas Alonsi, commended Ghana's 5,400 seafarers for their commitment to the socio-economic growth of the nation through the delivery of critical goods.
He urged them to regularly conduct onboard training exercises and drills so that they are ready to handle probable oil spills with the appropriate gear and to prevent sewage pollution, which is a significant issue in maritime pollution.
Seafarers were promised by Mr. Asiamah that the authority would continue to fight for fair treatment and decent working conditions.
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