Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has charged coastal African countries to ensure greater supervision and circumspection to eliminate unworthy ships from their ports.
Dr Bawumia was of the conviction that with stricter inspection and adherence to tenets of Port State Control regulations, there will be a better marine environment.
He made this appeal at the 3rd Ministerial Conference of Abuja MoU on Port State Control in Accra.
The conference which is the first since 2010, was attended by relevant Ministers from member states, Diplomatic Corps, Chief of Staff Frema Opare, Secretary General of Abuja MoU and some MPs.
The Vice President while delivering his address stated, "Recalling the very important role of shipping, I take this opportunity to call on all member states to cooperate effectively in compliance and enforcement of the port state control regime. I, therefore, encourage member states to tighten their nets when carrying out Port State Control inspections in order to ensure that all ships that call to do business at our ports are seaworthy and operate in accordance with accordance with standards and procedures relating to maritime safety, security and marine environment pollution prevention".
Dr Bawumia also urged member states to join in the war against pollution of the marine world as it has a dire consequence on aquatic life with the increase in maritime trade.
He maintained that as signatories to the agreement, there was a need to adopt standards that promote sustainable development and improve marine environment.
"As maritime trade increases, environmental concerns affecting marine life is on the increase and the growing pressure on ships continue to mount. The debate on environmental issues has in the past been how international shipping and maritime community can contribute to sustainable development" he noted.
Director General of the Ghana Maritime Authority, Kwame Owusu has hinted an improved efficiency at the ports since the coming into force of a MoU signed by some West and Central African countries.
"It is worthy to note that under the MoU, ships that have been inspected in a member state will not be re-inspected at the next port of call within a certain time frame. Your Excellency, this in effect compliments your drive for port efficiency" he admitted.
Transport Minister Kweku Ofori Asiamah, who was also present at the event emphasised the relevance of the MoU to the member states.
"These MoUs make it possible for Maritime Administrations within a region to consult, cooperate and exchange information pertaining to irregularities that may affect the safety of the ship or pose harm to lives and the environment" Kweku Asiama noted
He reiterated that "The Abuja MoU aims to ensure a system of harmonised Port State Contol inspection procedure for the region, targeted at the reduction and eventual elimination of substandard ships"
The MoU came into force 19 years ago and currently has about 17 countries as signatories.
It consists mainly of countries in West and Central Africa.
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