President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has tasked maritime security chiefs and other stakeholders to stop the threats and take action to deal with terrorist groups moving from the Sahel to the Gulf of Guinea.

According to him, the terrorists use complex technological procedures to execute their plans and to be able to be a step ahead of them, he urged the maritime security chiefs to also implement more innovative and sophisticated technologies that will hinder these terrorists from intruding.

“Technology has become a vital tool in our quest to sustain and secure our maritime domain.”

“The critical challenge is that perpetrators of maritime crimes use sophisticated forms of technology which require a more innovative technology that give a comparative advantage.”

“Maritime security stakeholders must take charge of this domain in order to deny access to terrorists dripping southwards from the Sahel region towards the Gulf of Guinea,” the President said.

Speaking at the 2023 International Maritime Defence and Exhibition Conference, he said Ghana has not recorded any issue of piracy or armed robbery in its maritime domain since 2022.

He says more investments are being made to boost the capacity of the Ghana Navy.

“The fact remains, with the concerted effort of the Ghana Navy and other key maritime stakeholders, Ghana has not recorded any piracy or armed robbery since 2022.”

Deputy Defence Minister, Kofi Amankwa-Manu says the maritime threats of terrorism and piracy in the Gulf of Guinea are real, but due to the collaborative efforts of surrounding countries, the threat will be effectively tackled.

“It’s very important that we look at the security of our water bodies.”

“On sea also, the threats are very real, because we have a lot of pirates along the Gulf of Guinea but thank God all the countries along the Gulf Of Guinea are now collaborating, efficiently and effectively to deal with this issue.”

“So, yes the threats of terrorism on sea are real but if you have this collaborative efforts from all the agencies and ministries, it is better,” he told Joy News.

The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, launched the National Integrated Maritime Strategy (NIMS) on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, at Burma Hall in Accra.

The launch occurred during the 3rd Edition of the International Maritime Defense Exhibition and Conference (IMDEC) opening ceremony in Accra.

IMDEC brings together major stakeholders from the international maritime industry.