Ghana, Nigeria Renew Strategic Partnership to Boost Maritime Security
The agreement, which replaces a previous MoU that expired in 2022, establishes a four-year framework aimed at advancing the social and economic development of both countries through a strengthened maritime sector.
The Director-General of the GMA, Dr Kamal-Deen Ali, (Naval Capt Rtd), signed on behalf of Ghana, while Dr Dayo Mobereola signed on behalf of NIMASA.
Key Areas of Cooperation
Under the new agreement, Ghana and Nigeria will collaborate across four main areas to streamline seafarer training and employment. The MoU will facilitate the mutual recognition of Certificates of Competency (CoC) across borders and coordinate joint efforts to combat piracy, armed robbery at sea, and maritime terrorism, with a special focus on securing the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) maritime domain.
Furthermore, the agreement provides for the exchange of experts, joint conferences, and comparative research to promote institutional learning. It also mandates a joint study to improve the monitoring and enforcement of Cabotage laws in both countries.
To guarantee results, the agencies have agreed to establish a Joint Consultative Team that will meet bi-annually, alternating between Ghana and Nigeria, to develop action plans and review progress. Focal persons have also been designated by both sides to coordinate and monitor implementation, ensuring a partnership that protects the marine environment and bridges capacity gaps through regional synergy.
GMA’s Commitment
The DG of GMA, Dr Kamal-Deen Ali in his remarks emphasized that the partnership between the two countries is critical for Ghana’s maritime growth, noting that the GMA has historically benchmarked Nigeria’s mature maritime regime to improve its own operations.
“What we learn from Nigeria doesn’t just improve Ghana’s own operations, but it also helps to build the entire sub-regional maritime economy,” Dr Ali stated.
He added that Nigeria remains the primary destination for over 60 percent of vessels entering the Gulf of Guinea maritime domain and pledged the GMA’s commitment to fully implementing the MoU for the prosperity of the West African sub-region.
