By: Chief Obosu Mohammed

[LLM MA PGDPM ACIArb LLB DPA Dip]

Saltpond, CR - 16/09/2024

Ghana's small watercraft industry is limited to small wooden fishing crafts crafted by local artisans. However, a well-developed and promoted small watercraft industry holds a transformative potential, especially by offering impetus to our cabotage regime when passed into law. With our extensive coastline, lakes, rivers, and growing maritime industries, a well-structured and tailored policy framework could lead to substantial socio-economic gains, a surge in employment opportunities and foreign exchange through export to coastal African countries under the AfCFTA framework. 

The Presidency of Mahamudu Bawumia will bring about new game strategies and comprehensive regulatory reforms and policies for the small watercraft industry. This policy framework will focus on constructing, maintaining, and repairing small watercraft primarily used for recreational purposes, local transportation of goods and passengers, rescue missions, patrols, marine services, and fishing activities. The proposed policy is of utmost importance and will be anchored on five central strategic pillars: Safety and Compliance, Environmental Sustainability, Training and Craftmanship Enhancement Program, Stakeholder Engagement and Economic Support. Each of these pillars will be crucial in ensuring the success and sustainability of the small watercraft industry in Ghana.

The safety and compliance policy framework, a vital component of the proposed policy reform, aims to enforce robust safety standards and enforcement for watercraft yards and the operation of small watercraft. It will establish thorough inspection regulations for small watercraft, particularly passenger carriers and fishing watercraft. This framework will also facilitate collaboration with the private sector, making them an essential and valued part of the industry's growth by offering affordable insurance packages for watercraft builders and owners to protect against risks.

The environmentally sustainable policies will promote eco-friendly watercraft building materials such as fibreglass, aluminium, and steel as the industry modernises and transitions from using wood to reduce environmental impact and preserve our forests.

The policy aims to offer economic support through subsidies, grants, low-interest loans, and SME support, as envisaged in the Cabotage bill. This support will enable watercraft builders to invest in modern equipment, infrastructure, and sustainable practices. Additionally, it will encourage individuals and the private sector to participate in small watercraft ownership.

There is already a strong tradition of artisanal craftsmanship. Therefore, the policy will focus on improving their skills through modern craftsmanship techniques and best practices. Using Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), we will develop Marine Technical Training programs to train skilled workers in modern watercraft building techniques, tools, and technologies.

The industry's traditional and complex nature necessitates extensive collaboration, engagement, and buy-in from all relevant stakeholders and regulatory bodies. The stakeholder's engagement is particularly crucial in coastal communities where fishing is prevalent. Their involvement is not just significant; it's integral to the success of this initiative.

This transformation in the small watercraft industry can bring a sense of shared prosperity, significantly enhance local economies, and support the maritime needs of growing sectors such as fishing, tourism, marine services and local transportation of goods and people. The future of Ghana's small watercraft industry is bright through the bold solutions of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as our next President.

#BoldSolutionsForGhana

#ToLeadIsToServe

#Bawumia2024🇬🇭

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