The DG of the GMA with the three cadets who are embarking on the seatime training
The leadership of the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) on Monday, February 23, 2026, held a high-profile send-off session for three Ghanaian cadets as they embark on a life-changing Seatime Training Programme with the Kuwait Oil Tanker Company (KOTC).
This milestone marks a significant shift in the GMA’s mission to position Ghanaian talent at the heart of the global shipping industry.
The three cadets: Albert Yaw Egyen, Bernard Bortey Alabi, and Mikim Kwesi Nixon were selected from a shortlist of 15, carved from an initial pool of 50 candidates.
Their selection followed a series of rigorous assessment tests, interviews, and medical examinations.
This deployment aligns with the GMA’s National Seafarer Development and Promotion Policy, aimed at transforming Ghana’s seafaring sector into a modern, competitive, and inclusive source of global maritime labor.
New Strategic Direction
The Director-General of the GMA, Dr Kamal-Deen Ali, joined by some members of the management team, noted that the authority is working tirelessly to overcome a period of scarcity in global seatime opportunities, a challenge that previously threatened the career progression of the country’s maritime professionals.
“Through a renewed focus on strategic leadership and persistent engagement with global shipping giants, the GMA is successfully turning the tide, opening doors that were once difficult to access, and ensuring Ghanaian talent remains competitive,” the DG said.
Describing the deployment as a critical launchpad, Dr Ali emphasised that while the cadets have completed years of rigorous education, this opportunity represents the “conveyor belt” of professional development the Authority is building to bridge the gap between the classroom and the high seas.
He noted that the initiative reflects the proactive leadership envisioned by President John Mahama to position Ghanaian youth as indispensable assets in the international market.
Service
Acknowledging the personal sacrifices involved, the Director-General reminded the cadets that separation from family and immersion in diverse cultures are standard hallmarks of the profession.
“You will face challenges, but they are normal. While the global market is aggressive, it is crucial that you remain emotionally resilient during your training,” Dr Ali counseled.
“The first six months are often the most difficult, but perseverance leads to a professional breakthrough. Remember, you are flying the flag of Ghana”, the DG highlighted
The DG encouraged the cadets to view their achievements as a source of pride and their labor as a vital form of service.
By excelling on KOTC vessels, he noted, the cadets are not just advancing their own careers but are proving the efficacy of Ghana’s seafarer development strategy.
Diligence
The Director of Planning at the GMA, Dr Richard Lartey, highlighted the magnitude of the opportunity, leading to the selection of the three from a highly competitive shortlist, urging them to avoid complacency to make the nation proud.
The Director of Maritime Services, Janet Houghman-Addy, and the Acting Director for PR, Susie Afua Kotoku, on their part also encouraged the cadets to “open the door and hold it” for their colleagues to follow.
The Acting Chief Examiner, Capt Samuel Ofori-Danquah, reminded the cohort that in an interconnected industry, discipline is the key to global success.
The cadets, in their remarks, expressed profound appreciation to the GMA, stating that the assignment represents the realization of a long-held dream.
They pledged to maintain exemplary conduct to ensure they pave the way for future Ghanaian seafarers.
