The Ghana Shippers Authority is advocating for a revision of maritime law to enhance regulation of port activities and address significant challenges, including piracy. This appeal was made by Chief Executive Benonita Bismarck during the 14th Maritime Law Seminar aimed at High Court justices, emphasizing the need for legal frameworks that can effectively respond to modern maritime issues.
Bismarck highlighted the alarming increase in piracy incidents, citing 84 attacks in the Gulf of Guinea in 2020 as a key reason for this legislative overhaul. She stressed that existing laws do not adequately cover contemporary maritime threats and challenges, particularly those related to piracy, which was not prevalent when the laws were initially established. The Chief Executive underlined the difficulties faced by justice administrators when required to apply outdated legal provisions, stating, “It is difficult to use a law that doesn’t contain all the provisions that you need to address current issues.”
Moreover, Chief Justice Justice Gertrude Torkornoo echoed the call for stronger maritime legislation, noting that the expected rise in port activities due to the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) will bring additional challenges. This anticipated increase in maritime traffic necessitates a robust legal framework to ensure security and effective management of port operations.
Bismarck’s comments reflect a broader concern for the need to modernize maritime laws to protect both maritime commerce and national security. The ongoing developments in the maritime sector, exacerbated by international trade agreements, underline the urgency of revising legal structures to match current realities and future trends.
In conclusion, the call for maritime law revision by the Ghana Shippers Authority is both timely and critical, aiming to ensure safety and efficiency at ports amidst evolving global trade dynamics and security concerns.
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