SLMA ED Attends ECOWAS Stakeholders Meeting on Maritime Security and Safety
The Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration, Paul Sobba Massaquoi, has left the shores of Sierra Leone to attend the ECOWAS Stakeholders Meeting on Maritime Security and Safety in Accra, Ghana. The meeting is scheduled to take place from September 5th to 7, 2023.
This meeting holds paramount importance for SierraLeone’s maritime safety and Security.
One of the primary objectives of this regional gathering is to foster collaboration among ECOWAS member states to enhance maritime security.
West African waters face numerous security challenges, including piracy and illegal fishing. Sierra Leone’s active participation in this meeting signifies its commitment to working collectively with neighboring countries to address these common security threats in the maritime domain.
Collaborative efforts resulting from such meetings can lead to improved patrolling, information sharing, and coordinated responses to maritime incidents. Sierra Leone’s involvement in these discussions is vital for advocating for stronger measures against illegal activities and the protection of its valuable marine resources.
Moreover, active engagement in regional initiatives like the ECOWAS Stakeholders Meeting will strengthen diplomatic and security ties with neighboring countries. it can foster mutual support during crises and contribute to overall stability in the region.
In another development, the Executive Director of the SierraLeone Maritime Administration, Paul Sobba Massaquoi, will also attend the Signing Ceremony of International Convention on International Sales of Ships in Beijing, China and ECOWAS Stakeholders Meeting on Maritime Safety and Security in Accra, Ghana.
In a significant stride towards strengthening its maritime sector and regional security cooperation, Sierra Leone will participate in two pivotal events. The first event is the signing ceremony of the International Convention on International Sales of Ships in Beijing, China, which is being attended by Ambassador Fanday Turay, the Minister of Transport and Aviation, and Mr. Paul Sobba Massaquoi, the Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration. The second event is the ECOWAS Stakeholders Meeting on Maritime Security and Safety in Accra, Ghana, that will feature the SLMA ED as a key participant.
The International Convention on International Sales of Ships:
The signing ceremony of the International Convention on International Sales of Ships, often referred to as the “Beijing Convention on the Judicial Sale of Ships,” will mark a significant moment for Sierra Leone. This convention, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 7, 2022, is designed to establish a uniform global framework for recognizing judicial sales of ships. It assures legal clarity and security to ship transactions conducted internationally while preserving domestic laws concerning judicial sales.
Sierra Leone’s participation in this convention holds several potential benefits for the nation. Firstly, it offers legal certainty to Sierra Leonean shipowners, reducing the risk of legal disputes or arrests in foreign jurisdictions. This, in turn, can attract more investments and businesses to operate under Sierra Leone’s maritime flag, which will help to bolster the maritime industry.
Furthermore, this convention will enhances Sierra Leone’s reputation in the global maritime community. It can signifies the country’s commitment to adhering to global maritime standards, which can lead to increased cooperation with other maritime nations, opening up opportunities for collaboration, information sharing, and capacity building.
