GHANA – The Transport Minister of Ghana, Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, has expressed support for the reform of the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA), being championed by the new Secretary-General, Dr. Paul Adalikwu.
Asiamah, who is also the Chairman of MOWCA, disclosed this while addressing the SG and staff members of the organisation during his maiden visit to the secretariat after Adalikwu assumed office. Asiamah was accompanied on the visit by the Director from Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), Nana Boakye; Deputy Director-General GMA, Yaw Antwi, and Deputy Director Ministry of Transport, Ghana, Theresa K.F.
Asiamah, in his advisory role, suggested that the four Directorate Cadre vacancies, which are Admin and Finance, Maritime Transport and Economy, Maritime Safety and Environment Protection and ICT in the organisation as identified by the secretary-general in the new organogram, should be shared to the predominant two anglophones and two francophones countries.
He further expressed concerns over MOWCA instruments, such as Rules of Procedure, Conditions of Service and Financial Regulations, which he noted had been in existence since the inception of the organisation in 1975 and therefore due for review.
Asiamah added that such review is necessary for MOWCA to operate in line with global best practices as an international organisation. He also stated that the General Assembly is trying to put in place an effective monitoring system by carrying out oversight functions on the activities of the OWCA secretariat.
While soliciting the support of MOWCA secretariat staff for the new secretary-general, Asiamah urged them to bring to bear their wealth of experience and institutional memory in the interest and development of MOWCA
The Chairman further stressed the need for the completion of the ongoing audit report and tasked the secretary-general to liaise with the audit firm to submit its report to the Secretariat as soon as possible. He further called for the inauguration of a committee to look at the comments from member states to make an informed decision on MOWCA instruments.
On his part, Adalikwu, who briefed the chairman on activities carried out so far since he assumed office in the last three months, said his administration has put together a new organogram and schedule of duties of all staff.
He said there has also been engagement with national authorities of the host country, especially the secretary of state, maritime affairs for the secretariat and other support. Adalikwu also reiterated his action plan and strategic vision for the over four-decade-old body. He also informed the chairman of his working visit to the Gambian Minister of Transport, Works and Infrastructure and plans for future visits to Cameroon and other member countries.
