Ghana's President Calls for Increased Maritime Cooperation at African Summit

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of Ghana called for greater cooperation and collaboration among global maritime stakeholders to address growing security threats in the Gulf of Guinea region. Speaking at the opening of the African Maritime Forces Summit in Accra on April 30, 2024, Akufo-Addo emphasized that no nation can tackle these challenges alone.

The summit, co-hosted by Ghana and the United States, brought together partners and allies to strengthen strategic-level relationships and facilitate better regional cooperation in dealing with pressing maritime issues. "The Gulf of Guinea is a key trade route with growing investments, particularly in offshore oil and gas, which has led to increased maritime traffic and security threats," Akufo-Addo noted.

While efforts by the Nigerian and Ghanaian navies have helped suppress piracy and armed robbery at sea, the Ghanaian president stressed that these threats remain significant. He highlighted the need for increased intelligence sharing and coordination among African maritime forces to effectively safeguard the continent's maritime domain.

Akufo-Addo also pointed to Ghana's commitment to retooling its navy and armed forces, including the acquisition of 20 vessels and the construction of a new naval base in the Western Region. Similar investments by other African countries, along with collaboration with key partners, have led to improvements in the security of Africa's coastlines.

Why this matters: Maritime security is crucial for ensuring the prosperity and stability of Ghana and the African continent, as the region faces various threats such as piracy, illegal fishing, smuggling, and maritime terrorism. Greater cooperation among African maritime forces is essential to effectively address these challenges and protect vital trade routes.

The African Maritime Forces Summit in Accra provided a platform for developing joint approaches to counter illegal activities affecting Africa's coastlines. United States Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, expressed hope that the event would enhance the sharing of ideas in addressing maritime threats and lauded Ghana's significant role in the sub-region's security efforts.

Key Takeaways

• Pres. Akufo-Addo calls for greater global maritime cooperation to address Gulf of Guinea threats
• African Maritime Forces Summit in Accra brings partners to strengthen regional cooperation
• Piracy and armed robbery at sea remain significant threats in the Gulf of Guinea
• Ghana commits to retooling its navy and armed forces to safeguard its territorial waters
• Maritime security is crucial for Ghana and Africa's prosperity and stability