Stakeholders in Ghana’s maritime sector continue to work together to improve security standards at Ghana’s ports through the implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS).
The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), in collaboration with the Department of Transport of the United Kingdom, has organized a maritime inspector’s workshop, bringing stakeholders together to build capacity for the collective responsibility of safeguarding the port against maritime security threats and attacks.
Last week, participants in the training program, including officials from the GMA, Regional Maritime University, Meridian Port Services, and Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, among others, paid a visit to the port of Tema to witness first-hand the integration of ISPS recommendations in port security operations such as security surveillance and access control.
Jim Hamilton, the Deputy Head of International Maritime Security Operations Team at the UK Department for Transport, stated that the exercise was intended to practically test participants’ security audit skills.
“We are doing what we call a maritime inspector’s workshop at the invite of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority to come and have a look around and see what a real Port looks like and how auditors can use what we call their auditors eye to examine and inspect and make suggestions as well as perform their duties under the ISPS code,” he stated.
He was impressed with the improvements in security procedures at the port since his last visit.
The Port Security Manager, Colonel Benjamin Boamah, revealed some key tenets of his outfit’s culture that continue to yield success in the performance of their mandate.
“With the stringent monitoring that we have presently, it makes it difficult for people to have their own way although we are still on the lookout. For an institution like this, you will always have people who want to cut the corners but with these things in place I think that the sky is the limit,” he said.
The Harbour Master at the Port of Tema, Capt. Bramwell Tawiah, stated that the Port of Tema will not rest on its oars but will continually work to improve security standards at Ghana’s largest and busiest port.
“We have drills and in-house training, as well as engaging foreign stakeholders. We have had training with expert from France being funded by the European union and the department of Transport. All these exercises and trainings enhance our efficiency and performance in the ports”, he stated.
