He said the Ministry would also provide the necessary backing to promote inclusive participation, especially for women and young professionals in the maritime industry.

Mr Nikpe said this in a speech read on his behalf at a stakeholder workshop for Seafarer Recruitment and Placement Service providers (SRPS), organised by the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), in Accra.

The session formed part of GMA's goal of coordinating Ghana's maritime industry to achieve sustainable outcomes. It brought together key players in the industry to discuss safe and transparent recruitment procedures, on the theme: "Strengthening SRPS Regulation, Compliance and Seafarer Welfare in Ghana."

The forum preceded the commemoration of the International Day of the Seafarer, marked annually on June 25.

Mr Nikpe, in his speech, read by Mr Nathaniel Wilson, the Deputy Director of Human Resource at the Ministry of Transport, emphasised the importance of transparent, fair, and safe recruitment processes for seafarers.

"In a sector that is both global and complex, ensuring the dignity and welfare of our maritime workers is non-negotiable. Ethical recruitment and insisting on livable wages is not merely a regulatory obligation but a developmental imperative," he noted.

Mr Nikpe highlighted the government's "Accelerated Export Development Programme" and other initiatives aimed at creating jobs and enhancing growth in the maritime and logistics sector.

"Through the reinvigorated Made-in-Ghana agenda, we are deepening our support for local industries and creating more opportunities for Ghanaian workers...," he said.

"Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), including those in the shipping and recruitment space, will benefit from targeted incentives such as tax relief and enhanced operational security."

"This, we believe, will help them to scale up and play a bigger role in promoting economic growth and creating more jobs."

He urged the Ghana Maritime Authority to continue to collaborate with the Regional Maritime University (RMU) to train more Ghanaian seafarers.

Mr Nikpe touched on partnership with international bodies, shipowners, and labour organisations, to ensure local maritime standards met international requirements.

Dr Kamal-Deen Ali, the Director General, GMA, highlighted the importance of working closely with industry partners to achieve the vision of creating jobs.
He said a team had been put in place to strengthen the SRSP regulation, compliance, and seafarer welfare in Ghana, leading to creating "a thriving industry and increased jobs."

Dr Ali outlined plans to increase GMA's international responsibility, including rectifying relevant International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions, to enhance governance requirements in the maritime industry.
He proposed setting an agenda to increase seafarer placement and recruitment by a certain percentage over the next five years.

The Director General further suggested that GMA could provide "minimal incentives" such as placing compliant companies on a white list, and using appropriate procedures to waive a portion of their application fee for license renewal.

Participants highlighted their concerns and challenges in the sector and proposed some solutions to boost operation and growth.