The Ghana Navy has officially commenced the fourth edition of the International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (IMDEC), a pivotal event aimed at addressing the growing security challenges in Africa’s maritime domain.
The event which brought together high-level officials, defence leaders, maritime stakeholders, and policymakers from across Africa and beyond , was on the theme “Securing Africa’s Maritime Future: Collaboration, Technology, and Sustainability in a Changing Geopolitical Landscape.”
Speaking at the opening ceremony on Tuesday in Accra, the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing, emphasized the importance of the conference in strengthening Africa’s maritime security architecture.
He noted that African navies are increasingly leveraging advanced technologies to enhance safety and operational effectiveness at sea.
“Modern surveillance systems and data-driven operations are playing a significant role in identifying, apprehending, and prosecuting maritime offenders. IMDEC offers a unique opportunity to collaborate and build resilience across our maritime space,” Rear Admiral Bessing stated.
The Chief of Staff to the President of the Republic, Mr. Julius Debrah, also highlighted the urgency of addressing maritime security across the African continent.
He pointed out that the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa remains one of the most vulnerable regions globally in terms of maritime security, underscoring the need for stakeholders to develop effective strategies to secure Africa’s maritime domain.
“IMDEC 2025 is more than a conference; it is a call to action and a reminder that collaboration and the deployment of innovative technologies are essential in safeguarding our maritime resources,” he noted.
Mr. Debrah commended the Ghana Navy for hosting the conference and emphasized the relevance of its theme, noting that Africa’s maritime domain continues to face serious threats, including piracy, illegal fishing, drug trafficking, and transnational crime.
The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mrs. Emelia Arthur, stressed the importance of collaboration among the Ministry, the Navy, and other maritime stakeholders in protecting fisheries, securing the livelihoods of coastal communities, and promoting sustainable development.
She also highlighted the need to acquire additional patrol vessels, improve prosecution capacity, and enhance regional cooperation through the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working closely with the Ghana Navy and all stakeholders to protect, preserve, and sustainably manage Ghana’s marine resources.
