GMA Records Significant Gains in Maritime Governance Under Dr Kamal-Deen Ali’s Leadership
The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has reached a significant milestone in its current leadership cycle, reporting a year of institutional growth and expanded maritime governance under the direction of Director-General Dr Kamal-Deen Ali (Naval Capt, Rtd).
Since taking office a year ago, Dr Ali has overseen a period of focused reform aimed at strengthening the Authority’s mandate and improving Ghana’s maritime environment.
Reviewing the year’s progress, the Chairperson of the governing board of the GMA, Madam Jemilat Jawulaa Mahamah, commended the Director-General’s dedication and disciplined management. She emphasized that the milestones achieved over the past twelve months are a direct result of a clear strategic vision and urged staff to remain committed to the Authority’s long-term goals.
Supporting the sentiments of the board Chairperson, the Director in charge of General Administration at the Ministry of Transport and the Minister’s representative on the Board, Mr Richard Fiedeley, noted that the period under review has seen the Authority making significant strides in aligning its operations with national transport objectives while enhancing institutional efficiency.
Institutional Growth and Staff Welfare
Senior management of the GMA in their solidarity messages pointed out that beyond external policies, the past year has seen a shift toward internal excellence. They also reaffirmed their collective support for the Director-General’s strategic objectives in the coming years.
Acknowledging the supportive leadership within the Authority, the Deputy Director General, Mubarick Masawudu remarked that Dr Kamal-Deen Ali provided an invaluable guiding platform upon his appointment, noting that the opportunity to learn directly from the Director-General’s expertise has so profoundly shaped his own technical command of maritime issues.
The acting Director in charge of Public Relations, Ms Susie Afua Kotoku, also in her remarks observed that the GMA has successfully increased its public visibility and engagement over the past year. The period of leadership, she noted has been used to reaffirm the Authority’s commitment to transparency and its core mandate.
Future Outlook
Dr Ali in his remarks said that the focus for the coming year remains on expanding operations, strengthening maritime safety, and contributing to Ghana’s broader economic development through effective governance of the blue economy. He pointed out that a key highlight of 2026 is a new focus on the environmental health of Ghana’s coastline.
Dr Ali revealed that following high-level discussions, President John Dramani Mahama has committed to increasing Common Fund allocations to support coastal communities. “This initiative, has been designed to provide local communities with the resources needed to clean and maintain beaches, ensuring a healthier maritime ecosystem and supporting the livelihood of those living along the coast”, Dr Ali said.
The GMA, the DG also stressed remains a vocal advocate for these communities, working closely with the Ministry and the Board to secure the necessary support for coastal development.
Source : GMA
