The launch of a National Integrated Maritime Strategy has taken place, aimed at devising effective approaches to tackle the challenges within the maritime sector.
This strategy holds the objective of not only ensuring the safety and security of Ghana’s maritime domain on a global scale but also cultivating a robust blue economy that enhances both national revenue and the overall quality of life for the population.
President Akufo-Addo unveiled this strategy during the inauguration of the third International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference 2023, held at Burma Camp in Accra.
The comprehensive six-point strategy entails strengthening the governance structure for maritime affairs, bolstering the safety and security measures of Ghana’s maritime territory, fostering the growth of a thriving blue economy, safeguarding the marine and coastal environment, promoting capacity-building, research, awareness, and knowledge exchange in the maritime domain, and establishing dynamic and diverse regional as well as international collaborations.
The conference and exhibition garnered participation from global maritime industry stakeholders and Navy Chiefs from around the world. The event centered on the theme of “Consolidating the gains made in Gulf of Guinea: the role of stakeholders and technology in sustaining a safe and secure maritime domain.”
President Akufo-Addo expressed concern about entities that continue to portray a bleak image of the situation in the Gulf of Guinea, despite Ghana having not experienced any instances of piracy at sea since 2022. He highlighted that these entities base their erroneous reports on minor unverified theft incidents near anchorages, which don’t align with the definition of piracy according to international maritime law.
President Akufo-Addo emphasized the importance of technology in curbing maritime crimes, such as illegal fishing, piracy, human trafficking, and smuggling.
He urged law enforcement agencies to employ advanced technology to disrupt the connections between these crimes. He underscored that technology had become an essential tool to sustain and secure the maritime domain, necessitating innovative approaches to counter the sophisticated methods employed by criminals.
Furthermore, the President noted the significance of the ocean’s economic potential, particularly in developing countries. He urged nations to explore innovative solutions to tap into the estimated $24 trillion ocean wealth and alleviate socio-economic and environmental vulnerabilities.
He praised the exhibition and conference as pivotal platforms for maritime stakeholders, especially naval chiefs, to strategize effectively for leveraging the blue economy and fostering sustainable economic development using appropriate technologies.
President Akufo-Addo highlighted the pivotal role of the Gulf of Guinea, which serves as a crucial route for exports and imports, contributing significantly to the region’s economy.
Additionally, he underscored the strategic importance of underwater internet communication fiber cables in the sea, urging stakeholders to innovate to fortify the gains made in creating an advantageous business environment.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Issah Adam Yakubu, highlighted the expected outcomes of the conference, centered on devising a regional and international framework to combat piracy and other transnational maritime crimes.
He expressed hope that industry players would propose feasible and affordable solutions for regional adoption.