The Ghana Maritime Authority has strengthened its working relationship with international shipping company Danaos Shipping and its local partner, Safety Marine, to improve the placement of Ghanaian seafarers on foreign vessels.
The Director General of the Authority, Dr Kamal Deen Ali, said the GMA is simplifying certification procedures and addressing long standing visa issues as part of a broader plan to grow seafarer recruitment and career progression in Ghana.
Dr Ali said the Authority is committed to working closely with its partners to position Ghana as a leading source of maritime labour in West Africa.
He made these comments during a courtesy visit by representatives of the Greece-based Danaos Shipping Company and Safety Marine.
The visit took place alongside a three-day recruitment exercise held from January 26 to 28, 2026, during which the team assessed more than 150 Ghanaian seafarer ratings for possible international placement.
In addition to recruitment, discussions between GMA officials and the Danaos delegation covered fleet expansion plans, Ghana’s role as a recruitment centre, and challenges such as visa delays and the remote assessment of seafarer ratings.
Danaos Crew Site Representative Xenophon Chatzis said the company currently operates 83 vessels and plans to add nearly 20 new container ships to its fleet.
Mr Chatzis explained that while Danaos runs its largest African operations from Tanzania, where it maintains its own offices, the company continues to place strong confidence in Ghanaian seafarers.
At present, Danaos employs about 220 Ghanaian seafarer ratings across its fleet, assigning them to both deck and engine departments.
He pointed out that difficulties in securing certificates of competency and certificates of proficiency continue to slow recruitment, particularly due to limited access to discharge booklets and the need for seafarers to return home for further training after completing required sea time.
These challenges reduce the competitiveness of Ghanaian seafarers and limit their opportunities for career growth.
Visa processing also remains a major concern, as some countries, including Brazil, do not recognise Ghana’s Seafarers’ Identity Document, making it necessary for crew members to obtain visas that often delay deployment.
Mr Chatzis said Ghanaian seafarers are known for their positive attitude and courteous conduct, adding that the company plans to increase recruitment through new cadet programmes and regular quarterly intake exercises.
The Chief Executive Officer of Safety Marine, Jonathan Okutu, praised the GMA for improving its service delivery, noting that enquiries now receive faster responses and documentation processes have become more efficient.
source: maritimafrica.com
