The Ministry of Transport in collaboration with the Ghana Maritime Authority held a dinner in honor of the Secretary General of International Maritime Organization, Kitack Lim.

The event which was held at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra brought together Ministers of State, Members of Parliament, stakeholders in the maritime fraternity among others.

The IMO Secretary General, Kitack Lim asked for massive support for women’s development in the maritime industry.

He expressed concern over the continuous threats human activities pose to the oceans and the need to protect them from any danger.

“We want to encourage the entire Maritime community to come together to really commit to ensuring that women are empowered. I hope you all join us in this important objective,” he solicited.

Deputy Minister of Transport, Titus Glover disclosed that government is bent on developing its blue economy and thus parliament has successfully ratified six conventions on the maritime sector, adding that has further projected Ghana’s image with regard to growth and safety of the oceanic industry.

“We believe that this conversion is putting Ghana in a very good light to enhance our Maritime Trade. Ghana we all know is one of the safest places in doing business particularly in our waters because of the high alert we have on our waters to make sure we entice a lot of business into our country,” he revealed.

Vice President of Liberia, Jewel Howard Taylor also re-echoed how Africa’s blue economy can transform lives as a sizeable portion of the continent is surrounded by sea.

She also called for the creation of more space for women in policy and decision making positions in various business communities to help bridge the gender gap in the sector.

“I believe it is imperative of all of us to support this initiative of greater inclusion and empowerment of women. We salute the IMO for hosting this sixth congress of women in the Maritime Industry. It is more important now as we look at the world’s view of inspiring, empowering and sharing the benefits that women bring to the table, she stated.