PRESIDENT Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo unveiled the National Integrated Maritime Strategy (NIMS) on Tuesday, marking a pivotal move towards reinforcing the safeguarding of Ghana’s territorial waters. The unveiling took place on the opening day of the International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference, held in the capital city of Accra.
Highlighting the strategic significance of securing Ghana’s territorial waters, President Akufo-Addo emphasised the importance of this initiative from economic, environmental, and security perspectives. The maritime domain holds critical value for the nation’s growth and stability, making the protection of its waters a paramount concern.
In light of escalating maritime threats in the Gulf of Guinea, President Akufo-Addo stressed the necessity of a robust naval force capable of defending Ghana’s territorial waters as well as its commercial and security interests. Addressing this demand, he underscored the government’s recognition of the imperative for a well-equipped and technologically advanced navy.
In alignment with this vision, Ghana has embarked on an initiative to bolster its naval capabilities. The president disclosed that the navy is being equipped with cutting-edge tools including drones, coastal radars, real-time surveillance, and tracking protocols. These enhancements are aimed at bolstering the navy’s presence at sea, ensuring more effective vigilance.
President Akufo-Addo affirmed the government’s commitment to augment the fleet of patrol boats operated by the country’s navy, thereby enhancing operational efficiency. He further revealed ongoing efforts to construct vital naval infrastructure, crucial for reducing the navy’s maritime response time.
‘The government’s dedication extends beyond the navy alone,’ stated President Akufo-Addo. He reiterated the government’s pledge to extend support to key sectors such as the maritime authority, ports and harbours authority, fisheries sector, and the oil and gas industry. The comprehensive approach encompasses policy measures, equipment provisions, training initiatives, and resource allocation. These combined efforts reflect the nation’s commitment to bolstering maritime security capacity in alignment with the blue economy’s growth and development.
As Ghana charts a course towards a more secure maritime future, the launch of the National Integrated Maritime Strategy signals a substantial leap in fortifying the nation’s territorial waters and nurturing its maritime assets. The conference continues as industry experts and stakeholders converge to discuss and deliberate strategies for the nation’s maritime prowess and security.