Africa-Press – Ghana. The Ghana Navy is developing a legal framework that allows for speedy prosecution, in the face of increasing global maritime threats.
The state security agency said this is key to securing Ghana’s territorial integrity and maritime economy.
Piracy and armed robbery in the Gulf of Guinea have become established criminal activities, thus of increasing concern to the maritime sector with recent attacks becoming more widespread and violent.
A report by the International Bureau on Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships suggests that there were 11 separate pirate attacks between 2013 and 2017 off the country’s coast.
Though laws exist to reduce these activities on the county’s coast, they have not led to significant prosecutions. According to Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Issah Adam Yakubu, the new legal framework, provide for faster prosecutions and sanctions that are deterrent.
“We identified that there were gaps in our laws, when it comes to prosecutions, and criminals were taking advantage of it. So, we have began a review of our legal framework to close these gaps and ensure that those who engage in illegal activities on our territorial waters, face the rigors of the law”, he indicated.
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The Ambassador of the USA to Ghana, Virginia Palmer emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration between the two countries and the continent to reduce piracy, illegal and unreported fishing, and other threats of the blue economy.
“Our collaboration here provides an opportunity to strengthen our nations, combat threats and protect the integrity of our territorial areas”, she added.
They both spoke at the African Maritime Forces Summit, which is a gathering of over 40 countries from 4 continents to discuss maritime economy, prospects and challenges.
The 3-day event being held in Accra, will also look at knowledge sharing, collaboration and adoption of best practices.
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