Graduate Assistant at the Regional Maritime University, George Obeng, has urged the government and all stakeholders in the maritime sector to consider assigning contracts to local engineers.

He emphasized that Ghanaian naval architects, mariners, and other professionals possess the expertise required to provide top-notch services comparable to those brought in from abroad for projects such as boat, canoe, and yacht construction.

Mr. Obeng conveyed that his team has set its sights on engaging various ministries, including the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, to contribute to the fight against illegal mining (galamsey).

Additionally, they aim to enhance safety along the coastal regions by supplying boats for patrolling water bodies in areas prone to galamsey activities.

During an interview with Ernestina Serwaa Asante, the host of BizTech on GhanaWeb TV, Mr. Obeng stated, "We are making an appeal to the stakeholders involved, highlighting our capability to accomplish these tasks within Ghana. Outsourcing is unnecessary."

Furthermore, George Obeng encouraged Members of Parliament to collaborate with their team to provide training to fisherfolk on designing and constructing fiberglass canoes, thus enhancing their efficiency in their respective endeavors.

"The fishermen and those people around they can bring them, the MPs around those coastal areas and even inland, they can bring their people for us to train them," he said.

You may recall that in July of last year, the government purchased five speedboats through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to aid in the fight against galamsey, or illicit mining.

The river banks at illegal mining locations will be continuously patrolled by the speed boats operated by the Ghana Naval Command and River Guards.