The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) on Friday launched a major water‑safety and youth‑employment programme that introduced 200 newly trained safety guards to inland waterways and rolled out a nationwide life‑jacket rule under the slogan “No Life Jacket, No Boarding.”
The initiative was unveiled at the yet-to-be commissioned new office complex, where Director‑General Naval Captain (Rtd.) Dr. Kamal‑Deen Ali, Esq., Minister of Transport Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, GMA board members and senior management officials presided over the ceremony.
Under the programme, standard‑compliant life jackets are now available at major river and lake crossing points and must be worn by all passengers. The policy aims to harmonize safety standards across Ghana’s inland waters, reduce drownings and other water‑related accidents, and professionalize shore‑side safety operations.
“We are establishing a new baseline for inland water safety in Ghana,” Dr. Ali said. “Making life jackets universally available and compulsory, while deploying trained safety personnel at key crossing points, will save lives and create dignified jobs for young people across the country.”
Beneficiaries across districts welcomed the dual‑purpose programme as both life‑saving and life‑changing. Adams Fuseini, a safety guard posted at Brifor Cha in the Lawra Municipality, said the training had prepared him physically and mentally for the responsibilities ahead. “I am extremely excited and thankful to President John Dramani Mahama and the Director‑General of GMA for this rare opportunity,” he told Yiri News. “In terms of livelihood, I’m grateful for the chance to work in this noble organisation. May God bless Dr. Kamal‑Deen and his staff.”
Ibrahim Malik, a recruit from Wa West District, praised the programme’s combined focus on employment and public safety, describing Dr. Ali as “a genius” for marrying job creation with traveller protection.
The rollout secured wide political and community backing. Ministers of state, Members of Parliament, and national executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) publicly commended Dr. Ali during the party’s majority caucus retreat in Ho for initiatives that have produced significant job opportunities and sustainable livelihoods for Ghanaian youth.
Members of Parliament from beneficiary constituencies attended regional launches and lauded the GMA for linking safety reforms with tangible employment outcomes. District Chief Executives and traditional rulers across all beneficiary districts also voiced strong support, praising Dr. Ali’s innovative and passion‑driven leadership and urging full community cooperation with the new safety measures.
Since taking office, Dr. Kamal‑Deen Ali has overseen the creation of more than 300 maritime jobs as part of a broader transformation agenda intended to position the GMA as a national leader in water safety and sustainable youth employment. The Authority said it will continue training programmes, expand deployment of safety guards to additional inland routes, and monitor compliance with the life‑jacket rule through partnerships with local authorities and community leaders.
The GMA appealed to passengers, boat operators and local stakeholders to cooperate fully with the new regulations and help ensure safer inland waterways for all Ghanaians.
