Women leaders and stakeholders within Ghana’s maritime, trade, and logistics sectors have renewed calls for stronger gender inclusion and equal opportunities in the industry during a breakfast meeting held to commemorate the International Day for Women in Maritime.

The event, organised by WISTA Ghana in collaboration with WIMOWCA, was held under the theme: “From Policy to Practice: Advancing Gender Equality for Maritime Inclusion.”

The session focused on translating policy commitments on gender equality into practical actions that promote the participation and advancement of women within the maritime industry.

Speakers at the event stressed the important contributions women continue to make across maritime, trade, and logistics, while highlighting the need to break long-standing barriers and stereotypes that hinder female participation in the sector.

Chairperson for the event, Regina Boateng, underscored the importance of enforcing gender equality alongside professional excellence in shaping the future of maritime trade and logistics in Ghana.

Participants were encouraged to strategically position themselves to take advantage of emerging opportunities within the maritime sector while promoting innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable growth.

The gathering also acknowledged the role of the Ghana Maritime Authority in supporting initiatives aimed at empowering women and promoting inclusivity within the maritime industry.

A keynote address was delivered by freight forwarding and logistics expert Linda Vasnani, while solidarity messages were presented by representatives from several professional bodies, including WISTA, WIMOWCA, WILAT, GIFF Ladies, the Port Ladies Association, the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, the Institute of Chartered Ship Brokers, and Maersk Ghana.

The occasion also served as the 2026 Annual General Meeting of WISTA Ghana, during which a new executive team was elected to lead the association.

The newly elected executives are:

President – Stella Cobbah First Vice President – Alice Odoi Second Vice President – Pauline Fleming-Adjei Secretary – Doris Obuobi Assistant Secretary – Naa Angerely Anterkyi Treasurer – Golda Rejoyce Achana Assistant Treasurer – Anita Biney Public Relations Officer/Webmaster – Priscilla Ama Koufie Assistant Public Relations Officer/Webmaster – Evelyn Arthur Organizer – Paulina Abrokwah Assistant Organizer – Rose Vera Nsiah

 

The International Day for Women in Maritime is observed globally every year on May 18 under the auspices of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).