Ongoing conflicts in major global shipping lanes could open the door for increased maritime crime in West Africa, the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has warned.
To counter the threat, the GMA is urging stronger port security, enhanced sea surveillance, and deeper international cooperation.

In its Maritime Security Information analysis for October 4 -10, 2026, issued by the Maritime Search and Rescue Unit (MARSEC), the GMA examined attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and the Black Sea, as well as growing concerns about criminal activity in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) maritime domain.

The report detailed concerns that the redirection of naval resources toward other conflict zones could leave parts of West Africa more exposed to criminal networks involved in piracy, fuel smuggling, drug trafficking, and other illicit activities.

Changing Threats

While the Strait of Hormuz came under renewed pressure during the reporting period, with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reportedly attacking at least 14 tankers and gas carriers since September 28, the Black Sea also witnessed severe disruptions.

A drone attack in Bulgarian waters sank the Togo-flagged vessel Alfa Watan, leaving 10 crew members unaccounted for, while a separate attack on a grain carrier in Romanian waters killed two sailors.

Although these incidents are occurring far from Ghana, the report warned that their ripple effects could impact the region by creating opportunities for criminal gangs to expand their operations in areas where surveillance and enforcement are overstretched.

It also highlighted that risks extend beyond piracy at sea. Smuggling networks could exploit coastal routes, ports, and commercial shipping activities to transport illicit goods, making it increasingly difficult for security agencies to detect and disrupt their operations.

 

Shift in Strategy

The report points to a strategic shift in maritime crime across the Gulf of Guinea, where illicit activity increasingly centers on moving fuel, drugs, and gold through coastal routes and ports.

Furthermore, it raised concerns about emerging ties between Sahel-based terrorist groups and criminal networks operating closer to the coast, a trend that presents a distinct challenge compared to traditional piracy.

“Tackling them requires security agencies to follow the movement of suspicious cargo, share intelligence, and identify links between activities at sea and criminal operations on land,” the report emphasized.

The report noted that the recent interception of an illegal fuel bunkering operation near Takoradi reinforces the need for closer scrutiny of vessel movements and cargo operations.

It stressed the urgency of stronger coordination among agencies responsible for maritime security, intelligence, customs, and law enforcement, adding that Ghana’s participation in the Combined Maritime Task Force for the Gulf of Guinea remains a vital component of this effort.

Cooperation

The report highlighted Ghana’s ongoing cooperation with Denmark, Spain, and Italy, alongside its active participation in broader regional and international maritime security initiatives.

Ghana’s decade-long maritime partnership with Denmark has strengthened training, surveillance, and patrol capabilities, while collaboration with Spain has facilitated engagement with the Ghana Navy in medical support, firefighting, and counter-drone defense.

The GMA considers these international relationships essential as maritime threats become increasingly linked to developments beyond national waters.
“Continued cooperation gives Ghana and its partners a strong foundation for sharing information, improving operational readiness, and responding to emerging risks,” the report noted.

Recommendations
The report strongly recommended enhancing maritime domain awareness, expanding regional counter-piracy operations, fortifying cybersecurity, and implementing tighter controls over port and cargo activities.

It further advocated for risk-based inspections of containers and vessels connected to high-risk trade routes, with particular emphasis on fuel, gold, and agricultural exports.

“A more coordinated collaboration among the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), the Marine Police, the National Intelligence Bureau, and the Ghana Navy would enhance intelligence-led inspections of suspicious consignments, effectively reducing incidents of smuggling and trafficking,” the report stressed.