Ghana: Unbiased observations and views on maritime development – Maritime development
02-01-23
In Ghana, Danida supported research has added an extra dimension to the strategic sector cooperation on maritime development. The research has contributed to national awareness, strengthening of networks and ownership, and it has identified gaps to be addressed in new programmes.
By Sector Counsellor Thomas Raahauge Norup, the Danish Embassy in Ghana
The strategic sector cooperation between Denmark and Ghana in maritime development aims at further enhancing the maritime industry in Ghana and supporting the sustainable growth of the Blue Economy. The cooperation was endorsed by the Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Ghanaian President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo during the Danish Prime Minister´s visit to Ghana in November 2021. They signed a MOU on bilateral collaboration and support to the green transition of the maritime sector in Ghana.
Working with academia adds a significant value to the strategic sector cooperation project. Firstly, it is apolitical as the research team engages with stakeholders without bias. Secondly, it brings local universities into play, which contributes to national awareness and ownership for the maritime agenda. Finally, the research project can identify gaps that can be addressed while the research is ongoing and gaps that can guide future programmes.
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Several of the ongoing Danida supported research projects in Ghana are linked to the maritime strategic sector cooperation. One of the research project focuses on areas such as port efficiency, environmental stressors in the Gulf of Guinea, as well as maritime insecurity and piracy. All the research projects increase awareness, strengthen networks in the maritime sector and provide the embassy with knowledge that is essential in its daily work and its political dialogues.
The strategic sector cooperation is entering its third phase with a focus on green and sustainable port operations. The research being carried out by Associate Professor Annette Skovsted Hansen and her team on port effectiveness is contributing to the new activities. The research looks at communication amongst port stakeholders in relation to sustainability, gender and governance and guides the sector cooperation’s engagement in green and sustainable shipping, including the involvement of the key stakeholders. It has been found that this research and the maritime sector cooperation complement each other as far as dialogue and the action taken in the areas of port management and sustainability are concerned.
In short, research is very important for our understanding of the sector we are aiming to improve.
Find more information about Danida supported research on maritime security in Ghana in the Danida Research Portal:
PORT EFFECTIVENESS AND PUBLIC PRIVATE COOPERATION FOR COMPETITIVENESS (PEPP II)
PORT EFFICIENCY AND PUBLIC PRIVATE CAPACITY (PEPP)
HOTSPOT OF MULTIPLE STRESSORS (HOTSPOT2)
RESEARCH-BASED MANAGEMENT OF GULF OF GUINEA
(COUNTER-)PIRACY INFRASTRUCTURES IN THE GULF OF GUINEA (COPIGOG)
ADDRESSING MARITIME INSECURITY (AMARIS)
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