By Elizabeth Larkwor Baah
Tema, June 27, GNA – Some Ghanaian seafarers have commended the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) for significantly improving the quality and efficiency of its service delivery, describing the reforms as timely and beneficial to professionals in the maritime industry.
According to the seafarers, obtaining essential maritime documents in the past was often a frustrating experience, explaining that applicants sometimes waited for several hours before being attended to.
They added that even after making the required payments, they were frequently asked to return after two weeks before receiving the services they needed, noting that these delays affected their ability to report for duty on time and, in some cases, caused them to miss opportunities to return to sea because they could not meet contractual deadlines.
They said the situation had improved considerably and expressed satisfaction with the current certification renewal process and acknowledged the authority’s efforts to make its services faster and more customer-focused.
Mr Michael Darko, an engine motorman who was present at the GMA Tema Office to renew his Certificate of Competency and other mandatory documents before his next assignment in Gabon, praised the authority’s recent innovations, including the introduction of electronic payment options, including Visa cards and mobile money services.
Mr Darko explained that applicants previously had to visit a bank to make payments before returning to continue the process, adding that the new payment system had reduced unnecessary movement, saved time and made the certification process more convenient.
Mr Michael Hammond, a seafarer who is preparing to join an offshore oil and gas support vessel, said he had spent the past year completing his Certificate of Competency qualification to advance into the role of port engineer and expected to join his vessel either in Takoradi or Abidjan.
Reflecting on his two years at sea, he described seafaring as a rewarding profession that gives young people the opportunity to handle important responsibilities while working under high international safety standards, encouraging more Ghanaian youth to pursue careers in the maritime sector because the profession was both empowering and fulfilling.
He expressed satisfaction with the process and indicated that he experienced no major challenges during his visit.
Dr Kamal-Deen Ali, Director-General of the GMA, acknowledged that the organisation was not perfect, but it remained committed to continuous improvement and delivering high-quality services.
Dr Ali emphasised the importance of client and stakeholder feedback, encouraging individuals to use the available reviews and feedback channels to share concerns, observations, and suggestions.
He mentioned that the organisation was placing increasing value on feedback as a tool for enhancing performance, adding that, although perfection might not always be attainable, the goal was to consistently achieve a service delivery standard of between 90 and 95 per cent throughout the year.
He expressed appreciation for the support and contributions of stakeholders and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to listening and improving.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo/Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Elizabeth Larkwor Baah