Women leaders and stakeholders in Ghana’s maritime, trade, and logistics sectors gathered on Monday, 18th May, 2026 for a breakfast session to mark the International Day for Women in Maritime, under the theme “From Policy to Practice: Advancing Gender Equality for Maritime Inclusion.”
The event, organized by WISTA in collaboration with WIMOWCA, centered on turning commitments to gender inclusion into concrete action.
The session emphasized the vital role of women in the maritime sector and was inspired by the collective strength of women across the industry. Speakers reminded participants that although they work in different organizations, they share a common goal: breaking barriers in maritime, trade, and logistics to build a stronger, more innovative, and sustainable sector.
“Maritime excellence is achieved not only in boardrooms and policy documents, but in the practices that enable us to maintain it,” the event noted, calling for a shift from discussion to implementation.
Chairing the session was Mrs. Regina Boateng, a distinguished trade practitioner and Immediate Past President of the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF). In her remarks, she stressed the need to enforce gender equality alongside maritime excellence to shape the future of maritime trade and logistics.
Participants were encouraged to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the Maritime sector by strategically positioning themselves for roles that propel growth and challenge the status quo. A recurring call was to break stereotypes and create spaces where women can thrive professionally, and ensuring maritime excellence becomes synonymous to gender equality.
The event also acknowledged Ghana Maritime Authority for its role in advancing inclusivity and for its continuous support for the empowerment of women in the maritime sector.
Mrs. Linda Vasnani, a Freight Forwarding and Logistics Expert, graced the occasion and delivered an address as Guest Speaker .Solidarity messages were also delivered by representatives of WISTA, WIMOWCA, WILAT, GIFF Ladies, the Port Ladies Association, the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, Institute of Chartered Ship Brokers and MAERSK Ghana .
The occasion also marked the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA) Ghana’s 2026 Annual General Meeting, during which new executives were elected to steer the association’s affairs. The new executive team comprises:
– President: Stella Cobbah
– First Vice: Alice Odoi
– Second Vice: 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 recognized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and is celebrated globally every year on 18th May.
