President Akufo-Addo has called on stakeholders within the maritime security sector to take charge in order to foil possible threats and attacks by terrorist groups from the Sahel to the Gulf of Guinea.
According to him, the terrorists are employing the use of complex procedures to carry out their plans on the blindside of some countries. To this end, he expressed the need for the country’s maritime sector, likewise its authorities, to ensure the safety of the country.
President Akufo-Addo indicated that technology has become a vital tool in government’s quest to sustain and secure its maritime domain.
“The critical challenge is that perpetrators of maritime crimes use sophisticated forms of technology which require a more innovative technology that give a comparative advantage. Maritime security stakeholders must take charge of this domain in order to deny access to terrorists dripping southwards from the Sahel region towards the Gulf of Guinea.”
President Akufo-Addo
Speaking at the 2023 International Maritime Defence and Exhibition Conference to launch the National Integrated Maritime Strategy (NIMS), today, August 29, 2023, President Akufo-Addo revealed that Ghana has been safe from such threats, as it has not recorded any issue of terrorism undertaking within the maritime industry.
Furthermore, he emphasized that more investments are being made to boost the capacity of the Ghana Navy. He equally reaffirmed the government’s dedication to bolstering Ghana’s security apparatus in order to safeguard the nation against potential terrorist threats.
“The fact remains, with the concerted effort of the Ghana Navy and other key maritime stakeholders, Ghana has not recorded any piracy or armed robbery since 2022.”
President Akufo-Addo
In light of recent attacks in neighboring countries such as Burkina Faso, President Akufo-Addo emphasized the imperative need of enhancing Ghana’s security measures.
Highlighting the concern sparked by the proximity of terrorist activities in neighboring nations, President Akufo-Addo underscored Ghana’s vulnerability and stressed the need for preemptive actions. He iterated government’s commitment to fortify the country’s security infrastructure to effectively counter any potential security breaches.
Moreover, President Akufo-Addo asserted that government’s commitment extends to ensuring the safety of Ghana’s territorial waters.
“The government recognizes the need for a well-resourced and technologically advanced Navy. We have commenced equipping the Navy with Drones, coastal radars, real-time surveillance and tracking protocols in order to improve maritime domain awareness.”
President Akufo-Addo
Addressing maritime threats of terrorism
Meanwhile, Deputy Defence Minister, Kofi Amankwa-Manu, has revealed that the maritime threats of terrorism and piracy in the Gulf of Guinea are real. However, he stated that due to the collaborative efforts of surrounding countries, the threat will be effectively addressed.
“It’s very important that we look at the security of our water bodies. On sea also, the threats are very real, because we have a lot of pirates along the Gulf of Guinea but thank God all the countries along the Gulf Of Guinea are now collaborating, efficiently and effectively to deal with this issue. So, yes, the threats of terrorism on sea are real but if you have these collaborative efforts from all the agencies and ministries, it is better.”
Kofi Amankwa-Manu
Developed jointly by the Ministries of Transport, National Security, Defence, Energy, Fisheries, Foreign Affairs, Interior, and Justice along with international and private sector partners, NIMS is a forward-thinking strategy designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and address challenges facing Ghana’s maritime sector.
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