Nat’l Tymes News Desk
GHANA’S High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Mrs. Sabah Zita Benson, urged the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to ensure that developing nations are not left behind as the shipping world moves toward greener, safer and more digital operations.
Speaking on behalf of the President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama at the 34th Session of the IMO Assembly in London, Mrs. Benson thanked the IMO for its leadership, and congratulated the newly elected President of the Assembly and the Vice‑Presidents.
The Commissioner, permanent representative of Ghana and leader of the delegation of Ghana at the IMO’s 34th general assembly, highlighted the rapid changes facing global shipping: digitalisation, climate‑related rules, new safety and security needs, supply‑chain disruptions and shifting trade patterns. For countries like Ghana, these changes bring both chances and heavy burdens, she said.
Mrs. Benson outlined Ghana’s recent achievements:
– With support from the IMO’s GreenVoyage2050 programme, Ghana has completed a National Action Plan on green shipping, putting it among a few nations with a clear roadmap for decarbonisation.
– The country has deposited its instrument of accession to the Cape Town Agreement, showing commitment to safer fishing vessels.
– A new Vessel Traffic Management Information System (VTMIS) with over‑the‑horizon capability will extend safety oversight across the Gulf of Guinea.
– A Maritime Fusion Centre will bring together key agencies to analyse and respond quickly to maritime threats.
– Ghana was recognised as the “Best State with Highest Quality Ship Inspections” in the Abuja MoU region.
The High Commissioner, Mrs. Sabah Benson asked the IMO for continued technical help under the Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP) to strengthen Ghana’s regulatory capacity and support its shift to greener shipping.
She stressed that the future of global shipping depends on shared responsibility, inclusive innovation and sustained support for developing maritime nations. “We remain committed to the spirit of multilateral cooperation that defines this organization,” she said.
The speech concluded with gratitude to the IMO community and a pledge to contribute constructively to the Assembly’s work.
Source: Nationaltymes.com
