IMO Helps Ghana’s Transition Efforts Towards Greener Maritime Practices
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has selected Ghana as one of five countries to receive technical support in developing a National Action Plan (NAP) under the GreenVoyage2050 programme. This initiative aims to help Ghana transition to more sustainable maritime practices by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from shipping, aligning with global decarbonization goals set out in the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy.
The GreenVoyage2050 programme, primarily funded by the Government of Norway with additional contributions from Finland, assists developing nations in implementing policies and pilot projects that promote environmentally friendly shipping. Under this initiative, Ghana will receive expert guidance, capacity-building workshops, and stakeholder engagement support to develop a robust strategy for reducing emissions in its maritime sector.
Ghana’s Commitment to Greener Shipping
According to Numbu Issahaque Sumabe, a Senior Maritime Officer at the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) and National Coordinator for GreenVoyage2050 who was speaking to Kennedy Mornah on the niche Eye on Port TV program, Ghana has already been taking steps to curb emissions through domestic enforcement of international maritime regulations. The country has domesticated the MARPOL Convention into the Maritime Pollution Act 932, including Annex VI, which targets air pollution prevention.
“We implement and enforce global regulations established by the IMO, and as part of our port state control activities, we ensure compliance with MARPOL Annex VI,” said Mr. Sumabe. “We have also been organizing stakeholder awareness workshops on green shipping, and in February 2023, Ghana hosted Africa’s first-ever Green Shipping Conference.”
Why Ghana Was Selected
Speaking on the same platform, Georgina Adia Nyadia, Deputy Director, Legal and Chairperson of the GMA Decarbonization Committee, highlighted Ghana’s active participation at the IMO as a key reason for its selection. The country has been consistently engaged in discussions and policy submissions at the IMO, strengthening its visibility on global maritime sustainability efforts.
“Ghana has been very active in IMO deliberations, making both oral and written submissions before and after committee meetings. Our compliance with international maritime conventions, such as the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), has also positioned us as a responsible maritime nation,” Mrs. Nyadia noted. “Being on the IMO White List further underscores our commitment to international standards.”
Key Technical Support Under GreenVoyage2050
The GreenVoyage2050 programme will provide Ghana with extensive technical assistance, including the development of a National Action Plan (NAP) to map out Ghana’s strategy for decarbonization, technical support in drafting updated regulations to align with evolving international conventions, research assistance on green fuels, assessing their economic potential and viability for bunkering in Ghana and capacity-building initiatives to equip maritime professionals with knowledge of green shipping trends.
Mrs. Nyadia emphasized that this support will not only strengthen Ghana’s regulatory framework but also create economic opportunities by positioning the country as a green bunkering hub in West Africa.
Role of Ghana’s Ports in Decarbonization
Ports will play a critical role in Ghana’s transition to greener maritime practices. Mr. Sumabe pointed out that the Port Authority will have a major responsibility in implementing sustainable infrastructure, including developing green bunkering infrastructure to facilitate alternative fuel supply for vessels, introducing shore power (cold ironing) from renewable sources, allowing ships to plug into clean energy instead of running on fossil fuels while docked and optimizing port operations to reduce ship turnaround time, cutting unnecessary emissions from idling vessels.
“Cleaner ports will not only enhance Ghana’s standing in green shipping but also improve air quality for port communities, reducing the health risks associated with maritime emissions,” Mr. Sumabe explained.
Looking Ahead
Ghana’s involvement in the GreenVoyage2050 programme represents a crucial step towards a cleaner and more sustainable maritime industry. The IMO has emphasized that ongoing collaboration and innovation will be key to achieving the programme’s goals. With annual open calls for technical assistance, more developing countries are expected to join in the coming years.
As Ghana works towards finalizing its National Action Plan, industry stakeholders remain optimistic that the country can set a benchmark for sustainable shipping in West Africa.
