Maritime Security Workshop

A workshop put together by the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), in collaboration with International Maritime Organisation (IMO), has commenced to help enhance maritime security in Ghana.

The main aim of the workshop is to train stakeholders to acquire the requisite knowledge on the implementation of SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.

Participants are expected to assess security threats and take preventive measures to boost security at the ports.

Opening the two-day workshop held in Tema on Tuesday, the Minister of Transport, Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, noted that the training would help tackle piracy in some parts of the world.

He stressed that “we cannot talk about port infrastructure without prioritizing the issue of safety and security of our maritime domain.”

As the ports of Tema and Takoradi undergo massive expansion, the minister advised management of the ports to incorporate the appropriate port security plans in accordance with the ISPS Code.

Mr. Asiamah further called for regular self-auditing of security at the ports to ensure that the port security systems are sustained at the ports.

He stated that Ghana has chalked successes in enhancing safety and security in the country's ports under the ISPS Code.

The minister said the country was excited to be part of the IMO to promote global standards and best practices.

He was optimistic that by the end of the workshop, participants will be equipped with the skills required under ISPS Code to carry out security self-auditing to identify lapses in the security system and develop remedial strategies.

Kwmae Owusu, Director-General of GMA, on his part, expressed gratitude to the IMO for providing experts to assist Ghana build the requisite capacity to effectively undertake its self-assessment.

The GMA boss said that at the end of the workshop, participants would enhance their capacity to address issues of maritime security at the country's ports.

Captain Dallas Eric Laryea, IMO Regional Coordinator, who spoke at the workshop, said that businesses thrive in a secure environment, hence the need for Ghana to pay attention to the development and protection of ports, shipping and supply chain infrastructure.

IMO is the United Nations specialised agency with the responsibility for safety and prevention of marine pollution.

The objective of the ISPS Code is to establish an international framework to assess security threats and take preventive measures to tackle them.

From Vincent Kubi, Tema