President Akufo-Addo exchanging pleasantries with Michael E. Langley, Commander of US Africa Command while US Ambassador Virginia Palmer looks on
President Nana Akufo-Addo has underscored the need of greater cooperation among African maritime forces in addressing security challenges in the Gulf of Guinea region.
According to him, security concerns such as piracy, illegal fishing, smuggling, and maritime terrorism continue to menace the region, putting nations’ economies and people’s wellbeing at risk.
The President said this during a speech at the 2024 African Maritime Forces Summit and Naval Infantry Leaders’ Symposium in Accra.
He highlighted the growing investment in offshore oil and gas infrastructure, which is likely to promote coastal trading and maritime traffic, resulting in an increase in traditional and emerging maritime security risks.
President Akufo-Addo said transnational crimes such as illegal oil bunkering, kidnapping at sea, illegal fishing, terrorism, and drug trafficking are common threats across African territorial waters, impacting peace, stability, and economies.
President Nana Akufo-Addo emphasised the significance of improving interoperability among naval forces in combating maritime crimes, citing regional collaborations like the Yaoundé Code of Conduct and joint exercises like Obangame Express.
Ghana’s Commitment
The President reiterated investments in retooling the Ghana Navy, including the acquisition of patrol vessels to protect maritime space, and stated that, “The construction of a new Naval Base in the Western Region is nearing completion, aiming to enhance security and promote blue economy growth.”
“Ghana, recognising its role as a coastal state, is actively engaging with the international maritime community to enhance maritime security in the region and across Africa,” he added.
Maritime Forces Summit
The annual African Maritime Forces Summit (AMFS) and third Naval Infantry Leaders Symposium-Africa (NILS-A) brought together government and military leaders from over 40 countries across four continents, to address maritime cooperation and coordination.
The three-day programme, which began on April 30, 2024, featured African and international leaders participating in panels and focused talks about maritime security challenges and opportunities.
By Prince FiifiYorke