Strategies adopted from previous maritime security Exhibition and Conference are paying off in the fight against sea crimes on the Gulf of Guinea, says the Ghana Navy, adding that in the year 2021 and 2022, Ghana did not record any incident of pirate activities on its territorial waters, due to the gains made from these conferences and exhibitions.
Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Rear Admiral Issah Adam Yakubu, disclosed this during a media engagement for the International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference 2023 (IMDEC 23) at the Burma Camp, in Accra Wednesday, this week.
He said although in the year 2021, the country recorded five attacks on tuna vessels and 11 kidnapping incidents of sailors in its waters, with ransom paid for their release, but the story has since changed.
Rear Admiral Yakubu added that though Ghana has not yet recorded any criminal activities in its waters this year, but same cannot be said about other sister countries. Hitherto, he said the maritime sector had a huge potential for the country’s economic development but was not receiving the needed investment.
According to him, there is more to be explored and gained from the sea, therefore, “I believe it is time we turned our attention to the maritime domain.”
He added that 80 per cent of the country’s imports and exports are transported by the sea. On this year’s conference and exhibition, he said 27 countries and 17 international and two local exhibitors have applied to participate.
Chief Staff Officer (CSO) Commodore Prosper Mosey added that the IMDEC, which is sure to happen next week Tuesday and Wednesday, will bring together regional and international Chiefs of Naval staff to address critical issues surrounding maritime security on the African continent.
The conference will further foster dialogue and collaboration among other key stakeholders in finding solutions to the challenges of the Gulf of Guinea.
He stated that the Guest Speaker would be President Nana Akufo-Addo.
The conference looks forward to providing insight into successful application of variety of innovations to maritime needs.
The exhibition will showcase cutting edge technologies in maritime security and foster strong resolutions and recommendations to overcome the daunting challenges facing Africa’s blue ocean.
There was also a presentation on the National Integrated Maritime Security framework on how the country can harness it’s potentials from the blues economy.
