Key stakeholders in the protection of the West African maritime environment have completed a three-day training on maritime domain awareness. This program, organized by the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), brought together 24 participants from the navies, air forces, and coast guards of Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.
Funded by the Danish government, the course aimed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to address maritime threats in the Gulf of Guinea. The program sought to promote best practices in maritime security across the region, aligning with the interests of maritime industries. It focused on fostering situational awareness, enhancing communication, building capacity, and supporting institutional development to tackle complex security challenges.
Participants gained insights into the shipping and fishing industries and learned how maritime insecurity affects commercial interests and the blue economy. The course also provided an in-depth understanding of maritime threats and facilitated collaboration between regional navies. This collaboration is expected to improve dialogue and collective security through joint maritime measures, intelligence sharing, and tracking of illicit activities.
Addressing the participants, Air Commodore David Akrong, Deputy Commandant of KAIPTC, emphasized the importance of the course in deepening participants’ understanding of the global maritime domain, with a particular focus on the Gulf of Guinea. He highlighted that participants were expected to gain expertise in the early detection and resolution of maritime threats, understand international maritime laws, and develop strong situational awareness through information sharing and collaboration with regional and international partners.
Air Commodore Akrong underscored the critical role of secure maritime environments for the smooth flow of global trade and the maintenance of international peace and security. “The most effective and efficient way to move goods and raw materials in bulk around the world is across the oceans and coastal waterways,” he noted.
Col Lasse Sand, Maritime and Defence Advisor at the Danish Embassy in Ghana, urged participants to leverage the networking opportunities provided by the course to enhance trust and cooperation among relevant maritime authorities and commercial interests. This collaboration is essential for promoting best practices across the region.
Conclusion
The Denmark-supported maritime course has set a foundation for enhanced maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, fostering collaboration, and building capacity among key stakeholders. Through continued efforts and partnerships, the region can look forward to improved security and stability, benefiting both maritime industries and broader economic interests.