The fourth iteration of the International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (IMDEC) has commenced in Accra, Ghana, under the theme “Securing Africa’s Maritime Future: Collaboration, Technology, and Sustainability in a Changing Geopolitical Landscape.” This significant event serves as a crucial platform for high-ranking officials, defence leaders, maritime stakeholders, and policymakers from Africa and beyond to converge and address the escalating security concerns within Africa’s maritime domain. The conference recognizes the growing complexities and interconnected nature of maritime security threats, highlighting the need for international cooperation, technological advancements, and sustainable practices to safeguard Africa’s valuable marine resources and ensure the prosperity of its coastal communities.
Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing, Chief of the Naval Staff, emphasized the conference’s critical role in bolstering Africa’s maritime security architecture. He noted the increasing adoption of advanced technologies by African navies to enhance safety and operational efficiency at sea. These technologies, including modern surveillance systems and data-driven operations, are proving instrumental in identifying, apprehending, and prosecuting maritime offenders. IMDEC, therefore, provides a unique platform for fostering collaboration and building resilience across Africa’s maritime space, facilitating the sharing of best practices and the development of joint strategies to combat emerging threats.
Mr. Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff to the President of Ghana, underscored the urgent need to address maritime insecurity across the African continent. He highlighted the Gulf of Guinea’s vulnerability as one of the world’s most precarious maritime regions, demanding concerted efforts from all stakeholders to develop and implement effective security strategies. He framed IMDEC 2025 not merely as a conference, but as a call to action, emphasizing the vital role of collaboration and innovative technologies in protecting Africa’s maritime resources. His remarks reinforced the importance of transforming discussions into concrete actions and leveraging technological advancements to combat the diverse range of maritime threats.
Mr. Debrah further commended the Ghana Navy for hosting the conference and lauded the relevance of its theme, recognizing the continuing challenges posed to Africa’s maritime domain by piracy, illegal fishing, drug trafficking, and transnational crime. These interconnected threats not only undermine regional stability but also pose significant risks to economic development and the livelihoods of coastal communities. The conference theme’s emphasis on collaboration, technology, and sustainability underscores the need for a comprehensive approach that integrates security measures with economic development and environmental protection efforts.
Mrs. Emelia Arthur, Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, emphasized the vital role of collaboration among her Ministry, the Navy, and other maritime stakeholders in protecting fisheries, ensuring the livelihoods of coastal communities, and promoting sustainable development. She specifically called for the acquisition of additional patrol vessels, improved prosecution capabilities, and enhanced regional cooperation through the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). This multi-pronged approach is essential to strengthen maritime surveillance, enhance law enforcement capacity, and foster regional partnerships to combat illegal fishing and other maritime crimes effectively.
Mrs. Arthur reaffirmed her Ministry’s commitment to working closely with the Ghana Navy and other relevant partners to protect, preserve, and sustainably manage Ghana’s marine resources. This commitment reflects a broader recognition that sustainable maritime security requires a holistic approach that considers the interconnectedness of environmental, economic, and security concerns. The conference serves as a platform for forging stronger partnerships and developing comprehensive strategies to address the multifaceted challenges facing Africa’s maritime domain. The shared objective is to ensure the long-term security and sustainability of Africa’s maritime resources for the benefit of present and future generations.
