Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali Appointed Acting Director-General of the Ghana Maritime Authority by H.E. President John Dramani Mahama
His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana has appointed Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali as the Acting Director-General of the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA). This announcement comes just two days after Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali was listed on the Maritimafrica List 2024, recognizing him among the 50 personalities who influenced Africa’s blue economy in 2023-2024. He succeeds Mr. Thomas Kofi Alonsi, who previously held the position.
A Visionary Leader in Maritime Affairs
Kamal-Deen Ali is a prominent figure in ocean governance and maritime security. As the Executive Director of CEMLAWS Africa, he has spearheaded initiatives to strengthen maritime security frameworks and promote sustainable ocean governance across Africa. His appointment to lead the Ghana Maritime Authority reflects the trust in his expertise and leadership capabilities to advance Ghana’s maritime sector.
A retired officer of the Ghana Navy with over 20 years of distinguished military service, Kamal-Deen held key roles, including Director of Legal Affairs for the Ghana Navy and Director of Research at the Ghana Armed Forces Staff College. Over his career, he has played a pivotal role in developing the maritime security framework for the Gulf of Guinea.
An Advocate for Africa’s Blue Economy
Kamal-Deen Ali’s inclusion on the Maritimafrica List 2024 highlights his contributions to shaping Africa’s blue economy. As a staunch advocate for sustainable fisheries and the fight against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, he has consistently promoted integrated governance approaches to protect the region’s maritime resources.
His work extends to collaborations with leading global organizations such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the European Union (EU), and the African Development Bank (AfDB). These partnerships have advanced policies addressing maritime security challenges while fostering sustainable development in African coastal communities.
A Distinguished Academic and Professional Journey
Kamal-Deen Ali’s appointment as Acting Director-General of the GMA is supported by his strong academic credentials and numerous professional achievements. He holds:
- A PhD from the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security at the University of Wollongong,
- An LLM from the International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI) in Malta,
- A Master’s in International Relations and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Ghana.
He is also the author of the influential book “Maritime Security Cooperation in the Gulf of Guinea: Prospects and Challenges” (2015), which is frequently cited in academic and policy circles.
A New Era for Ghana’s Maritime Sector
As Acting Director-General of the GMA, Kamal-Deen Ali is expected to leverage his extensive experience to strengthen Ghana’s maritime governance, enhance security, and drive economic growth within the framework of the blue economy. His vision for integrated ocean governance and sustainable fisheries will likely play a critical role in addressing issues such as IUU fishing, marine pollution, and emerging threats in Ghana’s waters.
The maritime community and stakeholders in Ghana, as well as across Africa, are optimistic about his leadership. With Kamal-Deen Ali at the helm, the Ghana Maritime Authority is well-positioned to chart a course toward innovation, sustainability, and greater regional influence in maritime affairs.
