Commodore James O. Kontoh (right) addressing the players in the fishing industry
The Flag Officer of the Eastern Naval Command, Commodore James O. Kontoh, has called on all stakeholders in the fishing industry to collaborate with the security agencies to fight against piracy.
According to him, maritime security requires broader stakeholders’ collaboration and sharing of accurate and timely information by seafarers to combat the menace of piracy.
He said players in the fishing industry must promptly give information about piracy in Ghana’s waters to help eradicate piracy.
Commodore Kontoh gave assurance that they would intensify surveillance to forestall future occurrences, urging vessels within the vicinity of a pirate attack to volunteer information to security agencies.
The Flag Officer made the disclosure while addressing players in the fishing industry during a day’s workshop organised by the Fishing Enforcement Unit (FEU) in collaboration with the Fisheries Commission and NAFAG in Tema on piracy in Ghana’s waters.
“If we collaborate well and give timely information this pirate issue will become a thing of the past. If you don’t give out information, which is the most relevant tool to deal with the situation, how we can stop it,” he said.
Emphasizing that maritime security also needs a multi-sectoral and inter-agency collaboration, he called on relevant stakeholders to pool resources together to eradicate piracy and other maritime crimes to develop the country’s economy.
The Flag Officer explained that although his outfit is ready to combat the menace, there is the need for the sharing of information by all stakeholders, especially sailors, to deal with the situation.
Commander of the Marine, Railways and Ports Police Unit, Chief Superintendent (CSP) Joseph Antwi-Ababio, on his part, advised owners of vessels to conduct background checks when engaging crew members.
“Because of cheap labour, some of you just employ anyone to work with you without proper background checks. You need to take your security very seriously when engaging crew members,” he said.
He reiterated the commitment of the Marine Police to fighting economic crimes to maintain Ghana as a major hub for maritime activities in the sub-region.
President of the National Fishermen Association (NAFAG), Flt Lt Miltiades G. Tackey RTD, revealed that some seafarers do not use electronic gadgets to communicate on the high seas, hence their inability to share information when facing problems.
He, therefore, advised them to install the gadgets and be security conscious on the high seas.
From Vincent Kubi, Tema