The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring the safety and security of Ghana's waters for vessels and all users of the maritime domain.

Captain Inusah Abdul-Nasir, the Director of Technical at the Authority, emphasized that the GMA is fulfilling its mandate of monitoring, coordinating, and regulating all activities within Ghana's maritime sector.

Captain Abdul-Nasir made these remarks during a visit by 33 participants from 13 Gulf of Guinea countries who were part of the Maritime Security and Transnational Organized Crime (MSTOC) program.

The visit included an exploration of the Vessel Traffic Management Information System (VTMIS), an integral component of the course. The MSTOC program is organized by the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) with support from the German Government.

With the 24-hour operation of the VTMIS, the GMA effectively fulfils its mandate by electronically surveying and monitoring Ghana's coastline, including the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), to safeguard the country's maritime resources.

Captain Abdul-Nasir highlighted that the GMA ensures the protection of offshore installations, oil terminals, and gas pipelines, and tackles issues such as illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, piracy, and pollution prevention from ships.

Recognizing the transnational nature of maritime security concerns, Captain Abdul-Nasir emphasized the importance of collaboration, coordination, and information sharing among countries.

He stressed that addressing security challenges in the maritime sector requires the collective efforts of multiple states, as critical issues like IUU fishing and piracy transcend national boundaries.

In addition to maritime security, Captain Abdul-Nasir discussed the GMA's responsibility in ensuring the safety of ships. The GMA is mandated to enforce Chapter 11 of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), which includes measures to enhance maritime security.

Furthermore, the GMA oversees and audits Ghana's sea ports to ensure compliance with the International Ship and Port Facilities Security Code (ISPS Code).

This involves conducting port facility security assessments, developing, implementing, and reviewing port facility security plans, and periodically issuing certificates of compliance with the ISPS Code to ensure the safety of vessels calling at the ports.

Naval Captain Isaac Aratuo, Course Director for MSTOC at KAIPTC, commended the GMA for its continuous support in hosting participants of the program and providing practical training. He reiterated the importance of collaboration between state and non-state agencies, as well as countries, in combating maritime insecurity and transnational organized crimes.