Ghana to get Vessel Traffic Management Information System
The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has signed a contract with ELTEL Corporation Network based in Finland for the supply, installation and operation, of a Vessel Traffic Management Information System (VTMIS) in Ghana.
The implementation of the VTMIS would ensure effective monitoring of the country’s waters and check unlawful activities such as piracy and armed robbery and illegal fishing.
It will also check the shipment of narcotics, illicit drugs and track weapons as well as ensure safety of navigation and protection of the marine environment from pollution.
The Minister of Transport, Mr Collins Dauda, who represented the government at the signing ceremony, said the VTMIS was equipped with meteorological sensors which provided information on weather conditions at sea for coastal management purposes and would also facilitate search and rescue operations in cases of maritime distress at sea.
“The maritime domain of Ghana is a major natural resource as it abounds with fisheries, minerals, hydrocarbons, facilities for ports and harbours, recreational beaches and the water itself for salt and other uses,” he said.
He added that this, however, imposed the need for effective maritime domain management in terms of enhanced maritime security and safety, maritime traffic management and protection of the marine environment from ships source pollution.
As a result of this, parliament has approved a credit facility between the government and BNP Paribas branch of the United Kingdom.
He mentioned that Ghana had currently joined the petroleum producing countries and had a vibrant fishing and tourism industry which needed to be protected, therefore, the need for the installations and operations of VTMIS.
Source: Daily Graphic