Ghana’s readiness for the implementation of the Hong Kong Convention on ship recycling

As the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (HKC) enters into force on 26 June 2025, Ghana – a Contracting State since the Convention’s adoption—faces both an opportunity and a challenge in aligning national systems with emerging global standards.

This paper examines Ghana’s preparatory actions, the institutional obligations under the Convention, and the critical enablers and barriers to full implementation.

The entry into force of the Hong Kong Convention, adopted under the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in 2009, marks a significant milestone in the regulation of ship recycling. Designed to mitigate adverse environmental and occupational risks associated with end-of-life vessels, the Convention establishes a comprehensive legal framework for ship recycling from design to disposal.

Its enforcement was triggered in June 2023, following the ratification by Bangladesh and Liberia, which satisfied the criteria of at least 15 parties, representing 40% of the world’s merchant shipping by gross tonnage, and having a combined maximum annual ship recycling volume of not less than 3%.

Ghana, as one of the 24 ratifying states, now assumes binding obligations under the Convention. This article outlines the preparatory actions being undertaken by Ghanaian authorities and assesses the readiness of its maritime institutions and ship recycling sector.

Key Legal Obligations Under the Convention

As a Contracting Party, Ghana is obligated to implement a range of regulatory, operational, and institutional measures. These include:

• Authorisation of Ship Recycling Facilities: Facilities must be formally authorised by national authorities and operate in accordance with Ship Recycling Facility Plans (SRFPs) approved by the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) or other designated agencies.

• Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM): Ghana-flagged vessels must maintain a certified IHM throughout their operational life, with a final survey conducted prior to recycling.

• National Oversight and Certification: Competent authorities are required to establish a national registry of authorised facilities, issue relevant certificates, and monitor compliance through inspections and audits.
National Implementation Strategy

To ensure compliance with the HKC, Ghana has adopted a multi-pronged strategy comprising legislative reform, institutional strengthening, and stakeholder engagement:

Regulatory Alignment

Ghana’s maritime authorities, led by the GMA, are reviewing existing legislation to align with the HKC’s provisions. This includes defining the roles of competent authorities, establishing certification protocols, and outlining enforcement mechanisms. Regulatory amendments are being guided by IMO technical assistance and best practices from other contracting states.

Capacity Building and Technical Training

The GMA is coordinating capacity-building programs aimed at training maritime inspectors, recyclers, port officials, and surveyors. Particular emphasis is placed on IHM verification processes, SRF planning, and the adoption of occupational health and environmental safety protocols. Collaboration with international development partners and the IMO is expected to provide further technical and logistical support.

Industry Engagement and Facility Readiness

Several yards along Ghana’s Atlantic coast have initiated steps to develop SRFPs and are in the process of seeking Ghana’s “Document of Authorisation for Ship Recycling.” Early engagement is being encouraged to ensure facilities meet standards ahead of the peak compliance phase in late 2025 and early 2026.

While Ghana’s proactive measures offer a competitive edge in West Africa’s emerging ship recycling market, several critical challenges must be addressed:

1. Technical Capacity Constraints
The accurate development, verification, and periodic updating of IHMs for both newly constructed and existing vessels will require enhanced technical capacity and streamlined data management systems.

2. Harmonisation with Global Standards

Aligning national survey regimes with the IMO’s Harmonised System of Survey and Certification (HSSC) is essential to enable mutual recognition and facilitate cross-border compliance.

3. Balancing Economic Growth with Regulatory Oversight

While the Convention presents an opportunity to modernise and monetise Ghana’s ship recycling industry, robust oversight will be vital to avoid the proliferation of environmentally harmful practices, particularly informal beaching methods criticised by international NGOs.

Ghana stands at a pivotal moment in the evolution of its maritime and ship recycling sector. With the Hong Kong Convention now legally binding, the country must move decisively from legislative readiness to operational implementation.

Key success factors will include the authorisation of compliant recycling facilities, the establishment of a trained and adequately resourced inspection regime, and the alignment of national processes with international standards.

If successful, Ghana could emerge as a regional leader in environmentally responsible ship recycling, offering a model for other developing maritime nations seeking to comply with the Convention while promoting sustainable maritime economic growth.

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Writer: Evans Ago Tetteh, Ph.D.| Lecturer, Department of Transport, Regional Maritime University