By Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo, GNA
Accra, May 08, GNA – The ECOWAS Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting regional maritime security initiatives through stronger cooperation and coordinated action among member states.
Ambassador Dr Abdel-Fatau Musah, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security at the Ecowas Commission, said this at the Maritime Action Platform III Seminar in Accra.
The seminar is hosted by the Multinational Maritime Coordination Centre (MMCC) Zone F and the Royal Danish Defence College under the Danish Peace and Stabilisation Fund’s Maritime Security Programme for the Gulf of Guinea, 2022-2026.
Ambassador Musah said collaborative regional efforts were contributing to improved security within the Gulf of Guinea.
The commissioner commended the MMCC Zone F and the government of Denmark for sustaining the platform dedicated to addressing maritime security challenges in West Africa.
He also praised the government of Ghana for its continued efforts and strategic interventions aimed at enhancing safety within the country’s maritime domain.
According to him, the MMCC Zones E, F, and G continued to organise joint annual patrols to strengthen regional operational cooperation.
“These coordinated efforts significantly enhance regional cooperation and operational synergy among Member States, contributing to a more effective response to maritime threats,” he noted.
The commissioner observed that the collective actions of navies and coast guards across the region had contributed to a marked decline in piracy incidents over recent years.
Despite the gains, he cautioned that challenges such as illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and drug trafficking by sea remained persistent threats to regional security and economic stability.
He emphasised the importance of platforms such as the Maritime Action Platform seminar in promoting inclusive dialogue, exchange of best practices, and collaborative problem-solving among stakeholders.
“The ECOWAS Commission remains firmly committed to supporting regional initiatives through strengthened cooperation, in alignment with the ECOWAS Integrated Maritime Strategy,” he said.
Participants were urged to engage actively during deliberations and work towards innovative solutions capable of building a safer and more prosperous maritime environment for the region.
GNA
Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo, GNA