Ghana Maritime Authority applauds women seafarers in Ghana

The Director General of the Ghana Maritime Authority, Thomas Kofi Alonsi, has expressed his outfit’s firm support for women empowerment in the maritime industry during the commemoration of this year’s International Day of the Seafarer in Accra.

"I am on board with gender equality and the World Maritime Day theme which says- Empowering Women in the Maritime Community has been strategically selected and lay emphasis on IMO's recognition of valuable contributions made by women seafarers and women in the maritime industry," he expressed.

The GMA boss, acknowledged the tremendous output Ghanaian women seafarers have contributed to the shipping and maritime industry, who stood tall amidst pressures encountered at sea.

“We would like to make special reference to women seafarers past and present, young and old especially those on board. The sacrifices you make, the self-denial, the limitations, the discrimination and above all your bravery are well appreciated."

He revealed that, the Ghana Maritime Authority aids the drive for more women to join the maritime industry by contributing immensely to the Regional Maritime University which serves as a major avenue for the training of young women for the maritime industry and encouraged more young women to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the institution.

"We are one of the institutions that finances the running of the University, and we think by making that contribution will open up an avenue for the young ladies."

The International Day of the Seafarer is an annual event, established by the International Maritime Organization, and celebrated globally by 147 member states, where the work of the seafarer is recognized, revised, and policies are initiated to improve the working conditions of the sea farer.