In a strategic blend of maritime policy and cultural diplomacy, Ghana’s delegation to the 50th Anniversary of the Maritime Organization of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) used the high-level summit in Banjul, The Gambia, to spotlight national heritage as a catalyst for regional trade.
The Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, together with the Director-General of the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), Kamal-Deen Ali, showcased Ghana’s locally woven Fugu traditional wear and premium Ghanaian chocolate as practical examples of value-added products that can thrive under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The summit was held under the theme “Fostering Effective Civil Services, High Safety Standards, and Low Pollution”, the celebrations brought together delegates from 20 of MOWCA’s 25 member states across West and Central Africa.
Discussions converged on the need for collective action to implement green port initiatives and adopt emerging technologies to build a resilient, low-emission maritime transport system.
Established in 1975, MOWCA is the sub-region’s principal intergovernmental maritime body, uniting 25 member states from Mauritania to Angola, including 20 coastal countries and five landlocked states that depend on regional ports for trade.
INDUSTRIAL GROWTH
Beyond culture, the summit balanced urgent security concerns with long-term industrial growth. A major focus was the proposed Regional Maritime Development Bank, which member states urged to provide sustainable financing for vessel acquisition, port modernization, and dry-dock development steps aimed at reducing reliance on foreign fleets.
The meeting also marked a leadership transition, with Ebrima Sillah, The Gambia’s Minister for Transport, Works and Infrastructure, assuming the MOWCA Chairmanship for a two-year term from Ingrid Olga Ebouka-Babakas, Minister of Planning, Statistics and Regional Integration of the Republic of Congo.
Member states were encouraged to harmonize policies, pool resources, and strengthen regional institutions. Priority areas for collaboration included green ports, maritime education and training, emerging technologies, and environmental protection.
CULTURAL COMMODITY EXCHANGE
Dressed in the distinctive northern Fugu, Mr Joseph Bukari Nikpe, delivering remarks on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama reminded delegates that regional integration extends beyond shipping lanes to cultural and commodity exchange.
This “soft power” approach complemented the technical deliberations of the 19th Ordinary Session, where Ghana joined peers in reaffirming commitments to revitalize MOWCA’s operations and institutional effectiveness.
Highlighting Ghana’s proactive maritime agenda, the Minister pointed to substantial investments in port modernization and reforms in maritime administration.
“The upcoming coastal transport services designed to link Accra, Lomé, Cotonou, and Lagos being spearheaded by Ghana are expected to drastically improve connectivity and lower trade barriers across the sub-region,” Mr Nikpe said, as he congratulated the newly elected Chairman and called for a unified African voice in global maritime governance.
GMA PERSPECTIVE
Dr Ali noted that advances in coastal water transportation are being reinforced by investments in seafarer development and enhanced security coordination to protect the blue economy from threats such as piracy and cyber-attacks.
As global shipping pivots toward decarbonization and automation, he urged MOWCA member states to harmonize policies and share technology, funding, and expertise to remain competitive.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
