Maritime Authority poised to make Ghana's ports safest in West Africa
To achieve this goal, Naval Captain Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali (Retd) has called on key institutions in the maritime sector to collaborate in implementing effective security measures.
Naval Captain Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali (Retd), the Director-General of the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening security at the country’s seaports to establish them as the safest in Africa.
To achieve this goal, he has called on key institutions in the maritime sector to collaborate in implementing effective security measures.
Dr. Ali made these remarks at a five-day workshop on port cybersecurity held in Accra.
The training, funded by the UK Department for Transport, focused on equipping participants with knowledge on potential threats posed by Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) to port security and strategies to counter them.
Additionally, the workshop aimed to enhance awareness of cybersecurity risks, emphasize individual responsibilities in maintaining secure digital infrastructure, and guide participants in developing cybersecurity assessments and response plans.
Collaborative Effort
The workshop brought together representatives from various agencies, including the GMA, Ghana Shippers’ Authority, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, the Marine Police, Ghana Navy, National Security, National Investigations Bureau, Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, Cyber Security Authority, and Ghana Immigration Service.
Dr. Ali expressed appreciation to the UK Department for Transport and the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for their support in enhancing Ghana’s port security capabilities.
He also highlighted the importance of inter-agency cooperation, emphasizing that collaboration among security and maritime institutions provides a unified platform to tackle emerging cybersecurity challenges.
However, he acknowledged concerns regarding the conclusion of the sponsorship program and reiterated the need for continued investment in port security.
Strengthening Security Initiatives
Dr. Ali conveyed the gratitude of Ghana’s incoming Minister for Transport and the government for the training and capacity-building initiatives facilitated by international partners.
He encouraged participants to apply the knowledge gained from the workshop, ensuring that the strategies and skills acquired contribute to long-term improvements in the nation's port security.
