The Ghana Chamber of Shipping, a new trade association which is focused on championing the interest of the shipping industry in the country has been launched.

The association also seeks to bring together the main stakeholders from both the demand and supply side of the industry.

Speaking at the inauguration, the Minister for Transport, Kweku Ofori Asiamah charged the Chamber to bring up policy initiatives that will propel the maritime sector and the country’s economy to growth and prosperity.

“You would agree with me that the dynamic nature of the maritime industry calls for a constant review of existing policies to keep pace with the ever-changing trends and developments,” he said.

He commended the collaboration between the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority and the Ghana Maritime Authority which continues to provide a safe port environment for vessels to dock in the ports of Ghana.

“Our port environment has become a safe place for many vessels that dock and wait for their turn before calling at their own ports. The safe haven provided by our ports for ships should not be taken for granted,” the Minister of Transport averred.

He said the Ministry of Transport remains ready to work with the Ghana Chamber of Shipping in its quest to find lasting solutions to the problems confronting the maritime industry and put in place a comprehensive maritime transport policy underpinned by robust governance structure that addresses not only growth but also sustainability and care for the environment.

The CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Shipping, Dr Kofi Mbiah disclosed that over 8 million tons of plastic waste are dumped into the sea each year, hence, the need to put in place necessary policies buttressed by legislation to deal with the menace.

“If we continue at this rate, you can imagine what would happen in the next decade. Countries are already putting in place the appropriate policies buttressed by legislation to deal with this menace. What policies are we also putting in place,” he wondered.

He said the Ghana chamber of shipping will conduct research into pertinent areas of the maritime sector to contribute its quota of knowledge and expertise to help shape the maritime policy of Ghana for the sustainability of the sector.

Chairman of the Ghana Chamber of Shipping, Ben Owusu-Mensah said the chamber will serve the interest of all individuals who have interest in the maritime industry.

A 9-member Executive Council was sworn in by the Minister for Transport.