Accra, April 14, - Ghana has set a three-year target to fully map its maritime space to improve navigation safety, strengthen disaster preparedness, boost maritime trade and support national economic growth.
Dr Kamal-Deen Ali, a retired Naval Captain and Director General of the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), announced this at a stakeholder dialogue on building hydrographic capacity for national development in Accra.
He explained that although earlier estimates suggested the cost of fully charting the country’s maritime space could reach €80 billion, Ghana was adopting a phased and cost-effective approach to achieve the objective.
The approach, he said, would help safeguard critical offshore infrastructure, including oil and gas platforms, subsea pipelines and international data cables, while ensuring efficient use of resources.
Hydrographic surveys involve the collection of data on water depth, seabed features and potential hazards such as shipwrecks and rocks to enable accurate mapping and safe navigation.
Dr Ali noted that Ghana remained in the early stages of developing a comprehensive hydrographic system, but indicated that preparatory work initiated in 2024 was being accelerated through collaboration with countries such as Nigeria.
“We are looking at how to do this better at a lower cost and deliver within the next one to three years to position Ghana among countries with reliable hydrographic systems,” he said.
The dialogue, convened by the GMA, brought together regulators, policymakers, industry players and representatives from Nigeria to lay the foundation for a national hydrographic strategy.
Mr Joseph Bukari Nikpe, Minister of Transport, in a speech read on his behalf, described hydrography as fundamental to national development but noted that it remained under-recognised.
He said accurate hydrographic data was essential for port development, maritime spatial planning and sustainable use of ocean resources, particularly in the face of climate change and maritime security threats.
Mr Nikpe outlined measures taken to strengthen the sector, including the establishment of a National Hydrographic and Oceanographic Committee and a National Hydrographic Office to coordinate activities and enhance data sharing.
Rear Admiral Olumide Olajide Fadahunsi, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Hydrographic Agency, commended Ghana for prioritising hydrography and emphasised the importance of regional collaboration in addressing data gaps.
He said strengthened cooperation between Ghana and Nigeria would enhance marine safety, trade and economic development across West Africa, given the interconnected nature of maritime resources.
He encouraged sustained commitment to building a robust hydrographic framework, noting that accurate mapping would shape future navigation and development of the region’s maritime sector.
GHBUSS
14 April 2026
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