President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali as the Acting Director-General of the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA).

He succeeds the outgoing Director-General, Thomas K. Alonsi.

Dr. Ali, a seasoned maritime law expert, assumes the role to continue advancing the sector's growth and security, which plays a pivotal role in Ghana’s trade and economic development. He brings with him extensive experience in maritime law, governance, and security.

Prior to his new appointment, Dr. Ali served as the Executive Director of the Centre for Maritime Law and Security Africa (CEMLAWS Africa), where he was instrumental in advancing regional maritime security and policy.

His academic and professional background spans International Law, International Relations, Ocean Governance, Defence, and Security.

Dr. Ali has also served for 20 years in the Ghana Armed Forces, taking on various roles both locally and internationally.

He was the Director of Research at the Ghana Armed Forces Staff College, the Legal Director of the Ghana Navy, and a staff member of UN Peacekeeping Missions in Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In addition to his military and legal expertise, Dr. Ali is a consultant and technical expert for international institutions, including UNODC, UNDP, UNECA, and the African Union.

He is a Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, Ghana; a Senior Research Fellow at the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security; and an Associate at the Corbett Centre for Maritime Policy Studies, UK.

Dr. Ali holds a PhD (with Special Commendation) from the University of Wollongong, Australia, as well as a Master of Law, Master of Arts in International Affairs, and a Bachelor of Law.

He has published extensively, with his book Maritime Security Cooperation in the Gulf of Guinea: Prospects and Challenges (2015) being recognized as a significant contribution to global maritime security knowledge.

The Ghana Maritime Authority is expected to strengthen its efforts to maintain a robust maritime sector and leverage the country’s strategic position along the Gulf of Guinea.

The Authority is tasked with regulating, monitoring, and promoting Ghana’s maritime industry, overseeing vital areas such as vessel registration, safety, and environmental protection within the country’s territorial waters.

MA