The minister described seafar­ers as environmental custodians at sea, and asked them to adhere to regulations aimed at reducing pollution, preventing oil spill and minimising the impact of human in the ocean.

In a speech read on his behalf at this year’s celebration of Day of the Seafarer in Accra on Fri­day, Mr Asiamah said; “Shipping, although proven to be the least environmentally harmful mode of transportation, continues to contribute significantly to global carbon emissions.

“Thus, it is important that all stakeholders work together to reduce emissions and protect the marine environment. This charge can begin with the seafarer as they spend a great deal of time at sea and therefore play a vital role in the protection of the marine environment.”

Established in 2010 by a United Nations (UN) resolution, June 25 is the Day of the Seafarer, an annual and international event coordinated by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), to recognise the unique and vital role of seafarers in the global com­munity.

This year’s celebration, or­ganised by the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) at the Regional Maritime University (RMU), was on the theme: ” MARPOL @50: our commitment goes on.”

The Marine Environment Pol­lution Prevention (MARPOL) is the main international convention covering prevention of pollution of the marine environment by ships from operational or acci­dental causes. It was adopted on November 2, 1973 at IMO.

In recognition and to compli­ment the efforts of seafarers, Mr Asiamah said the government had ratified the MARPOL Conven­tion, which was enforced locally by the Ghana Maritime Pollution Act, 2016 (ACT 932), through preservation of Ghana’s marine environment.

He said the safety and welfare of seafarers had been prioritised by the government through the ratification of various internation­al conventions, passage of laws and organisation of training for them in collaboration with the GMA and the RMU.

In continuation of these efforts, Mr Asiamah said, the government was awaiting the approval and rat­ification of the IMO Cape Town Agreement (CTA 2012) and the ILO Work in Fishing Convention (2007) ILO C188, which were currently before Parliament.

“The passage of both Conven­tions will ensure that Fishers have decent conditions of work on board fishing vessels with regards to the minimum requirement for work, conditions of service, ac­commodation and food, occupa­tional safety as well as the medical care and social security concerns of Fishers,” he said.

Mr Asiamah said, the GMA in collaboration with the Dan­ish Maritime Authority would soon roll out safety and security courses for fishers at the RMU, to enhance skills needed for their protection at sea and to survive any mishaps.

The Director General of the GMA, Mr Thomas Alonsi, com­mended Ghana’s 5,400 seafarers for their contribution to the socio-economic development of the country, through the supply of essential goods, despite the perilous nature of their work.

He called on them to carry out regular onboard training exer­cises and drills in preparation to combat potential oil spills with the necessary equipment as well as guard against sewage pollution, which is a major challenge in marine pollution.

Mr Asiamah assured seafarers of the authority’s continuous advocacy for fair treatment and working conditions.