GMA Calls for Stronger Maritime Surveillance Amid Rising Global Security Tensions

The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has warned that ongoing conflicts in major global shipping lanes could create opportunities for maritime crime to increase in West Africa.

In its latest Maritime Security Information analysis, the Authority said the diversion of naval resources to conflict zones such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Black Sea could leave parts of the Gulf of Guinea more vulnerable to piracy, fuel smuggling, drug trafficking and other illicit activities.

The report noted that maritime crime in the Gulf of Guinea is increasingly shifting from piracy to the smuggling of fuel, drugs and gold through coastal routes and ports.

It also raised concerns about emerging links between criminal networks operating along the coast and terrorist groups in the Sahel, stating the need for stronger intelligence sharing and coordination among security agencies.

To address the threat, the GMA called for enhanced sea surveillance, stronger port security and closer collaboration among agencies including the Ghana Revenue Authority, Marine Police, National Intelligence Bureau and the Ghana Navy.

The Authority noted Ghana’s ongoing maritime security partnerships with Denmark, Spain and Italy, describing international cooperation as important to improving information sharing, operational readiness and responses to emerging maritime threats.

The report further recommended tighter controls on port and cargo activities, enhanced maritime domain awareness and risk-based inspections of vessels and containers linked to high-risk trade routes.

“A more coordinated collaboration among the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), the Marine Police, the National Intelligence Bureau, and the Ghana Navy would enhance intelligence-led inspections of suspicious consignments, effectively reducing incidents of smuggling and trafficking,” the report concluded.

Margaret Adjeley Sowah, ISD