Ghana works to establish National Hydrographic Office
Strengthening hydrographic capacity
GHANA: A new partnership between Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) and the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) is aiming to see the establishment of a National Hydrographic Office (NHO).
The joint initiative will facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration by coordinating efforts to enhance adequate charting (mapping) of Ghana’s waters.
Speaking at a hydrography governance workshop in Accra on at the beginning of the month, the Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe emphasised that accurate mapping of Ghana’s waters is not just a technical requirement, but an essential foundation for national prosperity.
The workshop brought together maritime sector stakeholders from the academia, meteorologists, geomatics, and ocean experts to deliberate on legislative and regulatory changes required to formally establish the NHO, funding, equipment, and technology, along with funding, equipment, and technology.
The Minister highlighted the critical role of shipping, noting that the vast maritime transport network, which moves goods, energy, and commodities, requires efficiency and safety to keep the national economy connected to global markets.
“Hydrography provides the means to unearth the potential of the oceans,” he stated, adding that “sustainable blue growth depends on safe, efficient and effective shipping.” Nikpe warned that poorly charted areas have serious implications for every Ghanaian and the cost of doing business.
“Inaccurate maps increase the risk of accidents, which can lead to severe environmental damage, higher insurance premiums for goods, less efficient loading of ships as well as longer and more expensive shipping route,” he added.
“Inaccurate maps increase the risk of accidents, which can lead to severe environmental damage, higher insurance premiums for goods, less efficient loading of ships as well as longer and more expensive shipping route.”
The Director-General of the GMA, Dr Kamal-Deen Ali (Naval Capt Rtd), said that Ghana’s obligations as a member of the international community under crucial instruments like the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) would be strengthened by an NHO.
“For this reason, we must strengthen our national capacity in hydrography, and the workshop provides a pathway for collaboration and the development of a National Hydrographic Office,” the DG said.
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing, noted the steps being taken by the Ghana Navy to build a professional hydrographic capability.
He said that has led to the formal establishment of the Navy’s Hydrographic Unit, while a robust capacity-building programme is underway, of which 10 officers have completed formal, high-level hydrographic training (both Category A and B certifications) in the United Kingdom and India.
The Defence Attaché at the British High Commission, Commander Richard Walter’s commended Ghana’s commitment to advancing hydrographic governance. He also announced the Royal Navy will donate equipment and a survey motorboat to directly support Ghana’s hydrographic initiatives and the development of its future National Hydrography Office.
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