Integrated effort key to unleashing prospects in maritime sector – Transport Minister says
The Minister of Transport, Kwaku Ofori Asiamah has asked players in the maritime space to collaborate effectively in the development of relevant strategies for the operations, extraction and utilization of maritime resources.
According to him the mandate of the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) is essential and efforts should be championed for its effective and efficient operation.
“I must reiterate that; no single Member State can make significant strides on their own. Areas such as maritime security, maritime safety and navigation, port and infrastructure development, environmental protection, fisheries amongst others can only become effective when approached with a coordinated and integrated effort.” the Minister said this at the 17 Extraordinary Session of the General Assembly of MOWCA in Accra.
Mr.Asiamah who is also the chairman of MOWCA also encouraged members to focus on actions that will ensure its people benefit while tackling some deep-seated issues, including rules of procedure, financial regulations and conditions of staff.
Further, Mr.Asiamah stated that member states dependence on imports of finished goods and exports of raw materials can only be facilitated by shipping which is a major activity in maritime industry.
It is estimated that about 80percent of international trade is done via maritime space, with the minister adding that shipping remains the most-effective way of transporting any large/bulk amount of goods over a great distance.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey who was the guest of honour indicated that the organization must begin frank discussions on current developments in Green Shipping initiatives which involve the use of alternative fuels with low or zero carbon, in place of fossil fuels -that is fast becoming the new way of shipping.
To this end, she urged Africa’s Maritime Industry to be prepared for the cost ramifications of the impending transition to cleaner fuels to Ship-owners translating to increased freight rates.
“I will urge MOWCA to consider the effects of the market-based measures under discussion within the International Maritime Organisation on our economies. It would also be pertinent to identify possible ways to benefit from any fund arising thereof, in order to minimize the effects of the transition on all players, particularly Least Developed Countries LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Dr.Paul Adalikwu, the Secretary-General of MOWCA disclosed that the organization has firmed up plans to set up the Maritime Development Bank to be located in Nigeria, of which MOWCA’s global profile is being ramped up through her firm and active mutually rewarding links to the global International Maritime Organisation and the emergence of a pan-African Maritime organization.
MOWCA’s objective is to serve the regional and international community for handling all maritime matters that are regional in character. MOWCA unifies 25 countries on the West and Central African shipping range.
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