… Supports Blacklisting of Recruitment Agencies
The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has dismissed recent allegations of corruption against staff of the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) as baseless and unfounded.
According to a statement issued by the IEAG, these claims, reportedly made by disgruntled ship manning agents whose licenses have been revoked, have no merit and are seen as an attempt to defame the regulatory body.
The IEAG clarified that while the contribution of local ship manning agencies to the development of Ghana’s maritime sector is acknowledged, the Ghana Maritime Authority has the responsibility to ensure these agencies comply with established rules governing the industry.
“The GMA, as the regulator, must ensure that the activities of these agencies adhere to the laid-down laws to protect the integrity of the sector,” the statement said.
The Association highlighted that some recruitment agencies have been charging exorbitant fees to trained seafarers in exchange for employment on foreign vessels—actions that directly contravene Ghana’s maritime laws.
Under these laws, local recruitment agencies are only allowed to receive commission fees between USD 100 and USD 200 per month from foreign vessels.
However, investigations by the GMA, alongside reports from foreign embassies such as the UK, Netherlands, and Italy, revealed that some agents had been charging potential seafarers amounts ranging from GHS 30,000 to GHS 50,000—far beyond the legal limits.
The IEAG further explained that in cases of violation, the defaulting agencies are either penalized or have their licenses revoked if they continue to breach maritime laws. It expressed disappointment that some of the agents, rather than accepting responsibility for their actions, have resorted to spreading false allegations of corruption against the Ghana Maritime Authority.
The Importers and Exporters Association strongly condemned these misleading reports and urged the public to disregard them.
It also called on all stakeholders to rally behind the GMA in its efforts to enhance the maritime sector, which plays a critical role in Ghana’s economic development.
The statement was signed by Samson Asaki Awingobit, Executive Secretary of the IEAG, who emphasized the Association’s commitment to supporting the GMA’s regulatory activities in improving the sector.