By Jibril Abdul Mumuni, GNA
Accra, Sept. 25, GNA – Ghana is hosting maritime security experts, policymakers, development partners and women leaders from across West and Central Africa at a major regional conference aimed at strengthening maritime security and advancing women’s leadership in the Gulf of Guinea.
The Second Women in Maritime of West and Central Africa (WIMOWCA) Regional Conference on Women, Peace and Security in the Gulf of Guinea is being held under the theme: “Anchoring the Future of Maritime Security in the Gulf of Guinea through Women’s Leadership and Regional Action.“
The conference, organised by WIMOWCA in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and supported by the Government of Denmark, has brought together representatives from countries across the Gulf of Guinea to discuss ways of enhancing regional maritime security and promoting gender inclusion in the sector.
Addressing the opening session of the two-day session, Mr Jacob Linulf, Ambassador of Denmark to Ghana, underscored the need for stronger regional cooperation and greater participation of women in maritime governance.
He noted that the Gulf of Guinea remained critical to international trade and economic development, making collective action essential in addressing growing maritime security threats.
Mr Linulf commended WIMOWCA and UNODC for creating a platform that promotes women’s leadership in the maritime sector.
He said Denmark was proud to support initiatives that advance peace, security and gender equality, stressing that empowering women in maritime leadership was both a development and security imperative.
The Ambassador urged participants to translate their deliberations into concrete actions that would positively impact coastal communities across the region.
Speaking at the conference, Ms Sylvia Asana Owu, the Regional President of WIMOWCA, said the gathering sought to strengthen women’s representation in maritime institutions and promote gender-responsive approaches to maritime governance and security.
She observed that maritime crimes, including piracy, trafficking and illegal fishing, transcended national boundaries and therefore required stronger collaboration among governments, security agencies and development partners.
Ms Owu said sustainable maritime security could not be achieved without increasing women’s participation in leadership and decision-making roles.
On behalf of Ms Dorcas Affo-Toffey, the Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr Eric Tetteh-Addison, Director of Policy Planning at the Ministry of Transport, reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to regional efforts aimed at improving safety and security in the Gulf of Guinea.
He described the Gulf of Guinea as one of Africa’s most valuable maritime resources, supporting trade, fisheries and economic growth, but noted that it continued to face threats from piracy, human trafficking and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
“No single nation can address these challenges alone,” he said, calling for stronger regional collaboration and greater inclusion of women in maritime security institutions.
Mr Tetteh-Addison noted that although women played vital roles in fisheries, coastal trade and maritime communities, they remained underrepresented in leadership positions within maritime security agencies.
The conference is expected to validate a regional action plan, strengthen institutional partnerships and launch a regional maritime mentorship initiative for women professionals.
Delegates will also explore strategies to promote inclusive workplaces and enhance women’s participation in shipping, ports, fisheries and maritime law enforcement.
The conference concludes on September 24 with the adoption of key recommendations and commitments aimed at building a safer, more secure and inclusive maritime sector across West and Central Africa.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe