Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali is the new Director General of the Ghana Maritime Authority
President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Dr Kamal-Deen Ali as the Acting Director General of the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA).
Dr Ali is a Maritime Law expert, maritime governance, defence, security, and international relations expert.
He is also a retired Naval Captain who served in the Ghana Armed Forces for 20 years.
Before his appointment as the Acting Director General of GMA, Dr Ali was the Executive Director of the Centre of Maritime Law and Security Africa (CEMLAWS Africa), which provides policy advisory and reform services in seven African countries.
His contribution to enhancing ocean governance earned a spot in the list of the top 50 personalities influencing Africa’s Blue Economy in 2023-2024.
Dr Ali was also part of the legal team for the Ghana-Cote d’Ivoire maritime boundary dispute, leading the drafting of the Ghana Maritime Offences Bill, and developing Ghana’s National Integrated Maritime Strategy.
He holds a PhD (with Special Commendation) from the University of Wollongong, Australia. His other academic qualifications include Master of Law, Master of Arts in International Affairs and Bachelor of Law.
His appointment as the fourth Director General of the authority and the first mainstream industry person to be appointed to the role is expected to significantly enhance the country’s maritime sector.
The Ghana Maritime Authority, established under the Ghana Maritime Authority Act 2002 (Act 630) is responsible for enforcing maritime laws, regulating transport, ports, vessels, waste management, and protecting Ghana’s marine environment.