Ghana Urges Culture Shift in Maritime Safety
Ghana has called for a culture shift in global maritime governance, urging member states to recruit more women and young professionals into the pool of international shipping audit experts.
The call came as the IMO Council in London reviewed sweeping reforms to the International Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS). Under the new framework, all 175 member nations, including Ghana, must undergo strict, mandatory safety audits every seven years.
The move transforms what was once a voluntary scheme into a legally binding treaty, designed to ensure uniform enforcement of international shipping laws and create a fair playing field for global trade.
Speaking at the session, the Alternate Permanent Representative to the Organisation, Dr Evans Ago Tetteh, praised the successful completion of the first round of mandatory audits under the International Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS).
He noted that the process has strengthened how countries manage their waters and elevated compliance with international maritime laws.
He described a proposed continuous digital monitoring platform as a “game‑changer,” stating that it would allow nations to detect safety gaps early and make improvements continuously, rather than waiting for the seven‑year audit cycle.
Dr Tetteh also endorsed a risk‑based approach, enabling the IMO to concentrate resources on countries that struggled in previous checks.
Beyond technology, he said effective implementation requires sustained national commitment, resilient institutions, and determination to translate audit findings into lasting improvements.
The Ghanaian delegation also extended condolences to Venezuela following the devastating earthquake that recently struck the South American nation.
Margaret Adjeley Sowah, ISD
