The Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, has called for urgent action to transition towards green shipping and sustainable port operations as Ghana strengthens its role in global maritime trade.
Speaking at the PEPP II Conference on Sustainable Ports, Shipping, and Maritime Development in Africa, she highlighted the environmental risks posed by traditional shipping fuels, oil spills, and marine pollution, stressing the need for cleaner technologies and stricter compliance with international maritime standards.
Prof. Klutse noted that Ghana has the potential to lead Africa’s maritime sustainability agenda by promoting the use of alternative fuels such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) and hydrogen, enhancing environmental regulations for vessels entering its ports, and offering incentives for industry players to adopt energy-efficient technologies.
She emphasized the importance of collaboration between policymakers, researchers, industry stakeholders, and port authorities to develop policies that ensure long-term sustainability in the sector. She also called for enhanced capacity-building programs to equip maritime professionals with the skills needed for the industry’s transformation.
Describing the transition to a sustainable maritime industry as both an environmental necessity and an economic opportunity, she said bold action is required to maintain Ghana’s competitiveness, protect marine ecosystems, and secure long-term economic benefits.
She urged stakeholders to commit to policies that will shape the future of Ghana’s blue economy, expressing confidence that with the right partnerships, the country can achieve a climate-resilient maritime industry.
