Chief of Naval Staff Calls for Stronger Regional Cooperation to Secure the Gulf of Guinea

The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Rear Admiral Godin Livinus Bessing, has called for stronger regional collaboration to address growing maritime security threats within the Gulf of Guinea.

He made the call on Wednesday during the opening of the Maritime Action Platform III, a two-day seminar held in Accra.

The seminar was jointly organised by the ECOWAS Multinational Maritime Coordination Centre (Zone F) and the Royal Danish Defence College.

Addressing participants, the CNS highlighted the strategic importance of the Gulf of Guinea, describing it as one of the world’s most important maritime regions due to its contribution to international trade, fisheries, and economic activities.

He noted that persistent threats such as illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, piracy, and other transnational maritime crimes continue to undermine regional security and economic growth among coastal states.

According to Rear Admiral Bessing, these security challenges require sustained cooperation among countries within the region to effectively safeguard maritime resources and ensure safe navigation.

He urged stakeholders to deepen collaboration and strengthen collective efforts to protect the Gulf of Guinea against emerging threats, stressing that coordinated regional action remains crucial to maintaining stability and promoting economic and national development across coastal nations.

The Maritime Action Platform III brought together maritime authorities, security agencies, policymakers, industry players, and international organisations to deliberate on practical measures aimed at improving maritime security and enhancing regional cooperation within the Gulf of Guinea.