IMO’s continuing work to assist ports with the highest numbers of stowaway incidents through enhancing port security is underway at a workshop in Tema, Ghana (13-17 November).
Meetings with key stakeholders responsible for maritime security and facilitation are being used to gauge knowledge of national legislation, port facility security plans, local organization of maritime security and facilitation, and inter-agency cooperation through security and facilitation committees.
The event included a visit to the port of Tema to assess the physical security which is currently in place. Participants are also being trained to plan and conduct effective self-assessments and internal/external audits of port facilities, in line with IMO guidance on voluntary self-assessment.
Consultants will assess the port’s compliance with stowaway provisions in IMO’s Facilitation Convention and with recommendations adopted by a regional conference on stowaways held in 2014. The national workshop is being funded by the Government of Denmark and contributes to the IMO World Maritime Day theme for 2017: Connecting Ships, Ports and People.
Attendees include representatives from the Ghana Maritime Authority, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, UNODC, Interpol and the Port and Maritime Authority of West & Central Africa (PMAWCA). The event was opened by Ghana’s Minister of Transport, Hon. Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, with the Director-Generals of the Ghana Maritime Authority, Mr. Kwame Owusu, and Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Mr. Paul Asare Ansah, were also in attendance. IMO was represented by Dallas Laryea, Regional Coordinator for Anglophone Africa.