The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) has expressed disapproval of the scuffle that occurred at the Tema port.
The altercation took place between the Authority’s security personnel and officers from the Ghana Immigration Service on Monday, May 13.
In a press release, the GPHA confirmed the incident but acknowledged that “it could have been handled more effectively to prevent escalation.”
This resistance to being searched, according to the GPHA, contravenes the Standard Operating Procedures established by the International Ships and Port Facility Security (ISPS).
The Authority has taken full responsibility for the actions of its security personnel involved and stated that the individual has “since been reprimanded.”
The clash broke out when GPHA security members stationed at the Meridian Port Services (MPS) allegedly entered the GIS office at MPS intending to apprehend two officers following a disagreement during routine vessel checks on the MSC DYMPHNA at the Tema Port.
The dispute arose when GPHA security personnel insisted on searching the immigration officers after they had completed their inspection duties at the Tema Port.
However, a GIS inspector objected, asserting that while searches of their bags were permissible, body searches of the officers, especially by male security personnel, were not allowed.