The Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC) at Teshie has commenced the 2024 Maritime Sector Governance Course, on Monday 12 February, 2024.

The 5-day course designed to provide professional maritime practitioners, decision-makers, and stakeholders in the maritime industry with the required knowledge for effective governance of the sector forms part of the Masters Programs the institution offers.

It aims to manage marine resources, maintain law and order at sea, ensure the safety of navigation and transit through Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) protection, and preserve the marine environment.

The Guest of Honour for the opening ceremony, a former Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors, Mr Senyo Kwasi Hosi, expressed excitement about the course module. He believed that it would help address the challenges in the maritime sector since Ghana's territorial waters host many sensitive infrastructure and resources that are key to the socio-economic viability of the country.

Mr Hosi emphasized that efficient and effective management of the maritime sector could be achieved through management of marine resources and maintenance of law and order at sea, by preventing illegal activities to ensure the safety of lives and properties.

He further explained that the course would ensure a professional and holistic understanding of EEZ management and operations by all stakeholders to consider decisions affecting the effective and efficient protection of the enormous resources in the zone.

Mr Hosi encouraged the participants to learn to impact society, and not just learn for promotion or certificates, stressing that the course would equip them with the courage to address critical challenges in the maritime domain.

The course brought together students of the Senior Command Staff and Course 45, weekend students of GAFCSC’s Masters programs, and some external participants drawn from the maritime industry, Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.