By: Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
Ghana is stepping up efforts to decarbonize its maritime transport sector while calling for measures to cushion the potential negative impacts on the economy.
Transport Minister, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, in a speech delivered on his behalf by his deputy, Madam Dorcas Affo-Toffey, at the Green Shipping Corridors Pre-Feasibility Study Workshop in Accra, cautioned that the green transition could come with economic costs for developing countries.
She explained that while the shipping industry accounts for about 3 percent of global emissions, decarbonization measures could negatively affect GDP, food security, trade, and consumer prices for Ghana and other African nations.
Madam Dorcas Affo-Toffey, also reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to global climate goals, noting that the country’s actions are guided by its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. She also highlighted that, under President John Dramani Mahama, Ghana has established a Ministry for Energy and Green Transition as well as a Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability to strengthen national climate action.
She stressed the importance of Ghana’s strategic location along the Gulf of Guinea and its port infrastructure in Tema and Takoradi, which position the country to take advantage of green shipping opportunities.
“While our ports are planning investments in inshore power infrastructure, digital traffic management systems, and modernization to accommodate low-emission vessels, government is committed to forging collaborations, unlocking financing for green infrastructure, and creating sustainable green jobs,” she said.
The workshop, organized by the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) in partnership with the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping and the Ghana Shippers Authority, brought together key stakeholders including the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), the Ghana Navy, the African Continental Free Trade Secretariat, and the Danish Embassy in Accra.
Director-General of the GMA, Captain (GN) Kamal-Deen Ali, reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to sustainable maritime practices, noting that a national plan of action has been developed with technical support from the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Findings from the workshop, organizers explained, will guide the next phase of the pre-feasibility study, moving Ghana closer to establishing its first green shipping corridor.
