Accra, July 12, GNA - A new law, to take care of inland water transportation and guarantee safety in the country, has been drafted based on International Maritime Organisation's regulations. The draft law is titled: Ghana Shipping (Licensing of Ghanaian Vessels under 24 metres or 15 tonnes in Weight and Vessels Operating Solely in Inland Waters of Ghana) Regulations.

Prof. Christopher Ameyaw Akumfi, Minister of Harbours and Railways, said these when he appeared before Parliament to respond to a question on plans to come up with a comprehensive law on river transportation in the country.

The Minister said enquiries into various accidents on the Volta Lake, and other recommendations made elsewhere, have all touched on the outdated nature of existing legislation on inland waterways transportation.

"Armed with this overwhelming confirmation of the need for a new legislation and the enabling powers of Act 645, the Ministry has started the process of providing the necessary law in earnest," he said. He said the draft law has addressed all the safety and administrative issues that have been raised in reports of previous committees of inquiry on accidents on the Volta Lake.

"Mr Speaker, the draft law is currently before the Attorney-General's (A-G) Department for vetting after, which the Ministry will organise a stakeholders forum to solicit the comments and inputs of stakeholders for the law."

"After the forum the law will go back to the A-G's Department for final vetting before it is submitted to Parliament for considerations and enactment." Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi said. 12 July 07