Ghana-France to strengthen maritime security

The two nations were represented by the Minister of Defence Dominic Nitiwul and France ambassador to Ghana Francois Pujolas.

According to Dominic Nitiwul it is necessary for neighboring countries to collaborate with its international partners to combat pertinent threat such as fishing, piracy and other illegal operations, as we as challenges relating to oil and gas exploration on the Gulf of Guinea.

Acting Director of Public Affairs of Ghana, Colonel M’bawine Atintande (rtd) said in Accra that the ministry would therefore work with France to address these and other challenges.

Ghana's defence minister Dominic Nitiwul also raised concern about the need to have concerted efforts to fight illegal mining activities, destroying lands and water bodies in the country.

The challenges in the country’s maritime domain manifests in many faces which include piracy, maritime terrorism which is a new and increasing threat, illicit drugs, trafficking in small arms and light weapons, armed robbery and human trafficking.

Therefore, tackling the threats to Ghana’s maritime domain requires multi-stakeholder approach to succeed.

It is thus prudent that the Ghana Navy strengthens its partnership and involve organisations from international and public and private sectors to facilitate and defend maritime trade.

The Ghana Navy has therefore reiterated its commitment to ensure that it is ahead of contemporary maritime security challenges through collaborative efforts to make the country’s maritime domain safe to propel growth and development.

He also expressed Cote d’Ivoire's discontentment with activities of the illegal small-scale miners in Ghana.

“Illegal small-scale mining in Ghana had become an international challenge because some foreigners were involved.

Mr Nitiwul therefore asked France for support to curb the menace

The minister expressed gratitude to France for partnering with the country to training military personnel and other related support they have given to the country in the past.

Mr. Francois Pujolas encouraged Ghana to share information with Cote d’Ivoire in other to fight threats of terrorist attacks and other security related issues.

The French Ambassador was accompanied by the Defence Attaché at the French Embassy, Commander Guillaume Roquefeulle, among others.