An Analysis of Maritime Policies in Ghana

An analysis of maritime transport policies in Ghana was conducted in this study. The objectives were to establish the existence or otherwise of maritime policy, the degree of its effectiveness and its impact on the maritime industry in particular and the nation as a whole, identify the challenges affecting the successful implementation of maritime policies in Ghana, and suggest measures for effective implementation of Ghana's maritime policies. The study was conducted in the port communities of Tema and Takoradi. It employed a descriptive research design and the instruments used were interviews and questionnaires. The study focused on maritime policies enacted since Ghana’s independence. The findings of the study indicate that although there is no single document as a maritime policy, there are forms of policies. These policies are described largely as ineffective having such impacts as loss of revenue to the state, pollution of the marine environment and a high cost of doing business through Ghana's ports. Some of the challenges impeding the successful realization of expected results from maritime policies in Ghana include inadequate training, insufficient resources and a low level educational background. Some of the measures for addressing these challenges include establishment of an intergrated maritime policy, education of merchants in maritime-related trade, provision of additional resources and training of personnel involved with functions guided by Ghana's maritime policies.