The Strategic Importance of Hydrography in Ghana’s Blue Economy
The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has highlighted the critical role of accurate, comprehensive, and accessible maritime data in unlocking the potential of the country’s blue economy. Director-General Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali stressed the importance of coordinated national efforts to establish a National Hydrographic Office, which would enhance maritime safety, trade efficiency, and ocean governance.
This call for action was made during the opening of a three-day Hydrographic Governance Workshop, organized jointly by the GMA and the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) in Accra. The event aims to strengthen national frameworks, policies, and partnerships for sustainable hydrographic data collection and use.
“Hydrography provides the critical data and knowledge needed for informed decision-making, especially across the blue economy and ocean governance space. It also supports inland water management, defence, and environmental protection,” Dr. Ali explained.
He further emphasized that the establishment of a National Hydrographic Office is a priority for Ghana. “This workshop will help us define the governance structure and identify how collaboratively we can put this together. Our aim is to centralise hydrographic expertise, knowledge and data so that Ghana can produce its own national charts and coordinate all hydrographic products,” he said.
Currently, the country relies on the UK Hydrographic Office for its nautical charts. However, Dr. Ali pointed out that hydrographic data holds significant commercial value beyond safety and navigation. He noted that countries like Nigeria are expected to earn about US$10 million from the sale of charts in 2026, highlighting that hydrography is not just about safety but also an economy in itself.
As a coastal state, Ghana has binding international obligations under conventions such as the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), the Law of the Sea, and the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) Convention to ensure the safety and security of navigation within its maritime domain.
Building Capacity and Strengthening Partnerships
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Minister for Transport, the Director of General Administration at the Ministry, Richard Fedieley, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building hydrographic capacity and integrating it into national transport and development policies.
He described modern hydrography as “the strategic enabler of the entire maritime and blue economy,” underpinning shipping, fisheries, tourism, energy exploration, coastal infrastructure, and environmental resilience.
“Poorly charted waters increase the risk of accidents, raise insurance premiums, and undermine trade efficiency. The Ministry supports the UN call for countries to establish and strengthen National Hydrographic Offices, invest in infrastructure and human capacity, and promote regional data sharing and cooperation,” Mr. Fedieley said.
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing, noted the Navy’s growing role in hydrographic capability development, describing it as vital for national security, safe navigation, and economic advancement.
He revealed that the Ghana Navy’s Hydrographic Unit has trained ten officers in the United Kingdom and India with Category A and B certifications and has initiated joint surveys with the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority.
“Our long-term goal is to acquire a dedicated hydrographic vessel to survey our entire Exclusive Economic Zone and produce comprehensive bathymetric datasets. Such capability will unlock commercial opportunities, improve maritime safety, and strengthen military situational awareness,” he added.
International Collaboration and Support
Representing the British High Commission, UK Defence Adviser to Ghana, Commander Richard Walters, commended Ghana’s progress in maritime governance and announced the Royal Navy’s intention to donate a survey motorboat to support hydrographic development.
“By investing in accurate maritime data, Ghana is not only safeguarding its waters but positioning itself as a regional leader in maritime development. Hydrography helps us understand what lies beneath the surface, mapping the seabed, guiding ships safely to port, and supporting coastal resilience,” Commander Walters said.
He reaffirmed the UK’s continued partnership with Ghana through the UK Hydrographic Office and the Ghana Maritime Authority, noting that accurate data and collaboration are the bedrock of safe and sustainable maritime operations.
Conclusion
The establishment of a National Hydrographic Office is a crucial step for Ghana in advancing its maritime sector and securing its place as a regional leader in ocean governance. Through enhanced data collection, improved safety measures, and stronger international collaborations, the country is poised to unlock new economic opportunities while ensuring the sustainability of its marine resources.