Ghana has taken a significant step towards strengthening the security of its maritime domain with the introduction of the Maritime and Related Offences Bill, 2026, a landmark piece of legislation designed to combat piracy, trafficking, and other transnational maritime crimes.
To prepare key institutions for the implementation of the proposed law, the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the European Union (EU), organised a two-day Stakeholder Sensitisation Workshop at the Accra City Hotel from 5 to 6 August 2026.
Held under the theme, “Enhancing Maritime Security in Africa: Safe Seas for Africa,” the workshop brought together senior officials from the Ministry of Transport, Ghana Maritime Authority, Ghana Navy, Ghana Air Force, Marine Police, Attorney-General’s Department, and other stakeholders within Ghana’s criminal justice system.
The workshop sought to deepen stakeholders’ understanding of the proposed legislation and strengthen institutional readiness for its implementation.
Building a Strong Maritime Legal Framework
Delivering the welcome address on behalf of the Minister for Transport, Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, the Chief Director of the Ministry, Mr. William Kartey, reaffirmed government’s commitment to positioning Ghana as a leading maritime hub in West Africa.
He stressed that achieving this vision requires a modern legal framework that aligns with international maritime conventions and best practices.
“Our ambition of becoming a leading maritime hub can only be realised through a legal framework that is responsive to emerging threats and consistent with international standards,” Mr. Kartey said.
He commended the Ghana Maritime Authority, the European Union and UNODC for their continued collaboration in strengthening Ghana’s maritime governance and security architecture.
Addressing Emerging Maritime Threats
Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Maritime Authority, Mr. Mubarick Masawudu, described the Maritime and Related Offences Bill as a major milestone in Ghana’s efforts to tackle evolving security challenges at sea.
While acknowledging the maritime sector’s critical contribution to Ghana’s economy, he noted that it continues to face increasing threats from piracy, armed robbery at sea, drug and human trafficking, and other forms of transnational organised crime.
“The Bill represents a significant milestone in Ghana’s efforts to strengthen its legal and institutional framework for combating maritime crime,” Mr. Masawudu stated.
“A comprehensive legal regime is critical for effective investigations, successful prosecutions and seamless coordination among law enforcement agencies. This legislation provides the clarity, certainty and modern legal tools required to effectively suppress maritime crime.”
Mr. Masawudu disclosed that although Parliament has passed the Bill, it is currently awaiting Presidential assent. He emphasised that continued stakeholder engagement remains essential to ensure effective implementation once the legislation comes into force.
EU Commends Ghana’s Maritime Reforms
Speaking on behalf of the European Union, Programme Officer in the Governance Section, Mr. Jean-Pierre Bardoul, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting maritime security across the Gulf of Guinea through the Safe Seas for Africa Project, implemented in partnership with UNODC.
He explained that the initiative aims to strengthen the prevention, investigation and prosecution of piracy, drug trafficking and other maritime offences.
“The Maritime and Related Offences Bill represents a significant advancement in Ghana’s efforts to combat maritime crime and strengthen regional maritime security,” he said.
Mr. Bardoul noted that the Bill aligns with key provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), providing Ghanaian courts with clearer jurisdiction to prosecute maritime offences while addressing previous legal and prosecutorial challenges.
UNODC Reaffirms Support
Representing UNODC, Mr. Francis Izegaegbe Omionu, Associate Programme Management Officer, described the workshop as another important milestone in the organisation’s longstanding support for Ghana’s criminal justice system.
He explained that through the Safe Seas for Africa Project, UNODC continues to provide technical assistance to strengthen Ghana’s legal and institutional capacity to combat maritime crime.
“Ghana’s efforts to reform its maritime legal framework are commendable and represent a positive step in the right direction,” Mr. Izegaegbe Omionu said.
He noted that the workshop was intended to enhance understanding of the international and regional legal frameworks underpinning the Bill, examine measures to criminalise and deter maritime offences, and underscore the importance of safe and secure shipping in driving national economic growth.
Mr. Izegaegbe Omionu reaffirmed UNODC’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s justice institutions in strengthening the rule of law through effective legislation and robust enforcement mechanisms.
Towards Safer Seas
The Maritime and Related Offences Bill, 2026, is expected to significantly strengthen Ghana’s capacity to prevent, investigate and prosecute maritime crimes by providing law enforcement agencies and the judiciary with modern legal tools.
Beyond improving national security, the legislation is also expected to enhance investor confidence, promote safer shipping, and reinforce Ghana’s position as a responsible maritime nation committed to international standards and sustainable economic growth.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
