The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has strongly denied recent corruption allegations against the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), labeling them as baseless and without merit.
According to IEAG Executive Secretary Samson Asaki Awingobit, these allegations stem from disgruntled ship manning agents whose licenses were revoked due to various violations.
The IEAG emphasized the GMA’s critical role as a regulatory body, ensuring local ship manning agencies operate within established maritime laws and regulations.
However, investigations revealed that some agencies charge exorbitant fees to trained seafarers, despite receiving monthly payments from shipowners.
These practices, ranging from GHS 30,000 to GHS 50,000, directly contravene maritime laws.
Awingobit highlighted the GMA’s efforts to uphold seafarers’ welfare, taking punitive action against agencies engaging in unethical behavior. First-time offenders face penalties, while repeat offenders risk license revocation.
“The Ghana Maritime Authority is responsible for ensuring these agencies operate in accordance with established rules and regulations governing the maritime industry,” Awingobit stated.
The IEAG condemned the malicious claims and urged the public to disregard them.
Instead, they called on stakeholders to support the GMA in safeguarding Ghana’s maritime sector.
Have a news story, press release, or opinion piece you’d like to share with our audience? We’d love to hear from you! Please reach out to us at editor@metrotvonline.com
