The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has refuted recent allegations of corruption involving staff of the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), labeling the claims as baseless and unsubstantiated.The allegations, purportedly made by local ship manning agents whose licenses were revoked for violating industry regulations, have been circulating in sections of the Ghanaian media.In a press release dated October 22, 2024, IEAG emphasized that the GMA, as the regulatory body for the maritime sector, is committed to ensuring that local recruitment agencies adhere to the laws governing the industry."While the role of these agencies in supporting the maritime sector's growth is acknowledged, the IEAG would like to point out that many have been found guilty of extorting money from seafarers in exchange for jobs on foreign vessels, in clear violation of Ghana's maritime laws," IEAG stated.Investigations conducted by the GMA, corroborated by reports from seafarers, foreign missions, and global maritime bodies, reveal that some recruitment agents charge exorbitant fees ranging from GHS 30,000 to GHS 50,000.The GMA's actions to revoke licenses of non-compliant agencies have been based on these unethical practices, which also include bonding seafarers with post-dated cheques-a severe breach of maritime law.The IEAG noted that the GMA has taken appropriate punitive action, including license revocations, against recruitment agencies that have engaged in such illegal practices.Despite these actions, some defaulting agents, driven by self-interest, have resorted to spreading false allegations against the GMA.Samson Asaki Awingobit, Executive Secretary of the IEAG, urged the public to disregard the misleading claims and reaffirmed the Association's support for the GMA's efforts to uphold the welfare of seafarers and maintain the integrity of Ghana's maritime sector.The IEAG further called on stakeholders in the maritime industry to support the GMA in its efforts to ensure compliance and safeguard the sector's future for the benefit of the nation.Read also:Creating Independent Fiscal Council will not curb indiscipline in public sector financial management - DomelevoBy Christabel Success Treve (NSS)