GMA seeks integration of maritime systems to boost trade facilitation
The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has called for stronger coordination and integration of existing maritime information systems to improve trade facilitation and operational efficiency at the country’s ports.
Dr Kamal‑Deen Ali, the Director-General of the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), said the integration of systems used by maritime, customs and port authorities was essential to building a more cohesive maritime transport ecosystem.
Dr Ali was speaking at a three-day sub-regional stakeholder workshop on Maritime Single Windows and Port Community Systems, which brought together representatives of maritime administrations, customs agencies, port authorities, private industry and development partners.
He said the workshop provided an opportunity for participating countries to share experiences and identify practical ways to strengthen their maritime systems in line with international requirements.
The representative noted that the Maritime Single Window requirement under the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) took effect in 2024, making it important for countries to accelerate their implementation efforts.
He stated that in Ghana, several institutions operated systems supporting different aspects of maritime transport, trade facilitation and safety.
These included systems used by customs and port authorities for trade and vessel clearance, as well as the vessel traffic monitoring system operated by the GMA for maritime safety.
He said the relationship between maritime trade and safety made coordination among the various systems particularly important.
He added that rather than working in isolation, the systems needed to be refined and integrated to support more effective port operations and the smooth movement of maritime trade.
He also highlighted existing inter-agency coordination arrangements in Ghana, including committees that brought together relevant institutions under the GMA's leadership.
The three-day workshop was expected to provide lessons from participating countries and other stakeholders to help Ghana and its regional partners develop more coherent maritime information systems.
Dr Ali expressed optimism that the discussions would help build a more integrated Maritime Single Window framework in the coming years.
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