Defence Minister Praises Ghana-Denmark Cooperation on Maritime Security

The Minister for Defence, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, has praised Ghana’s longstanding partnership with Denmark, citing support for specialised maritime training, anti-piracy initiatives and capacity-building for personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces.

He made the remarks while delivering the keynote address at the maiden African Maritime Security Forum held at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) in Teshie, Accra.

Mr Adjei noted that the partnership has supported the establishment of the maritime simulation centre at the Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), the Ship-in-a-Box anti-piracy training facility, as well as equipment and tactical training for Ghana Armed Forces personnel.

The Defence Minister discussed efforts to strengthen maritime security in the face of emerging threats such as piracy, illicit trafficking and transnational organised crime.

He disclosed the need for stronger information sharing, operational collaboration, institutional capacity-building and enforcement of maritime laws to address maritime security challenges across the continent.

Mr Adjei also urged participants at the forum to translate their discussions into practical recommendations that would strengthen maritime security and protect Africa’s economic interests.

The Danish Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Jakob Linulf, reaffirmed Denmark’s commitment to maritime peace and stability.

He stated that partnerships involving the forum’s organisers had trained more than 1,000 security personnel across Africa and supported initiatives aimed at enhancing naval capabilities.

The Commandant of KAIPTC, Air Vice Marshal David Anetey Akrong, said coordinated patrols and intelligence-sharing had contributed to a significant reduction in piracy incidents in the Gulf of Guinea.

However, he cautioned that piracy and other maritime threats continue to pose risks to economic activities in the region.

The two-day forum brought together policymakers, military and security professionals, researchers and international partners to discuss emerging maritime security challenges and explore practical solutions to strengthen security in Africa’s maritime domain.

Margaret Adjeley Sowah, ISD