MARITIME LAW IN GHANA

Her Lordship Justice Georgina Theodora wood, chief Justice of the republic of Ghana has encourage actors to endeavor to bring novelty to fruition by introducing the developed maritime law syllabus at the school of law in Ghana as an elective course.
This will go a long way to develop in further development of the marine industry in the country to maximize profit in to the economy.
This was disclosed at the fourth maritime law seminar for justices of the superior courts of judicature in Accra.
Justice Georgina Wood disclosed that two judges were currently sponsored to specialize in petroleum law as part of the country`s preparations towards provision of the needed capacity and competence to deal with matters and cases that might emanate from oil and its transactions. The current global trend is towards specialization and we cannot decide as a nation to be isolated in the trends of development
The Minister of Harbours and Railways Prof Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi said it was important for the judiciary to addressing issue of local content in the oil and marine industry to put them in a better position to adjudicate excellently on these matters when they come before them. The vision of making the country maritime the hub for west and central Africa is still alive and therefore everything must be done to ensure that Ghana is not only an attractive place for maritime business but also a preferred transit corridor for landlocked neighbours.
He said the maritime law is dynamic and new challenges arise daily as a result of technological advancement security issues, legislative changes and judicial decisions. Therefore he tasked the Ghana Shippers Council to further abreast the legal professionals on marine laws. Prof. Ameyaw- Akumfi pledged government’s continuous support by creating the enabling environment to increase trade and maritime transport activities through trade facilitation measures to help achieve competitiveness for Ghana in international trade transactions.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana shippers Council Kofi Mbiah said his outfit will remain committed to assisting the judiciary in its laudable efforts in providing access to justice as it will be beneficial to all players involved in the business of export and import.