(1) A person shall not

(a) without the prior approval in writing granted by the Minister in accordance with the recommendation of the Authority import any ship; or

(b) import into the country any ship

(i) in the case of a trawler which is more than ten years; or

(ii) in the case of a tuna fishing vessel or any other vessel which is more than fifteen years from the date of construction except that a trawler of not more than fifteen years or a tuna vessel or any other vessel of not more than eighteen years from the date of construction may be imported subject to the acceptance by the Minister in consultation with the Ghana Maritime Authority and on the advice of the Board of a survey, report of seaworthiness issued by a recognised international classification authority.

(3) The importer of a ship shall pay such fees and costs as may be determined by the Board, including the cost of any inspection which may be required pursuant to subsection (1) (b).

(4) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of the cedi equivalent of not less than $10,000 and not exceeding $100,000 or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 2 years or to both, and in addition the court may order the forfeiture of the vessel in respect of which the offence was committed.