GMA, Department of Transport-UK, organise maritime security workshop for stakeholders

The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), in collaboration with the Department of Transport of the United Kingdom, has organised a maritime inspector's workshop?for stakeholders in the sector.The workshop was aimed at building the capacity of the stakeholders for the collective responsibility of safeguarding the port against maritime security threats and attacks.Participants include?officials of the GMA, Regional Maritime University, Meridian Port Services, and Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority.It forms part of the continued commitment by stakeholders to work together to improve security standards at Ghana's ports through the implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS).Mr Jim Hamilton, the Deputy Head of International Maritime Security Operations Team, UK Department for Transport, who visited the Tema Port with the participants, stated that the exercise was intended to test participants' security audit skills.The port visit was to give participants the opportunity to witness first-hand the integration of ISPS recommendations in port security operations such as security surveillance and access control.Mr Hamilton said they were doing a maritime inspector's workshop at the invitation of the GPHA for them to have a look around and see what a real port looks like and how auditors could use their 'auditors' eye' to examine, inspect, make suggestions, and perform their duties under the ISPS code.He expressed joy with the improvements in security procedures at the port since his last visit.Colonel Benjamin Boamah, the Tema Port Security Manager, said they had put in some key tenets that continued to yield success in the performance of their mandate, stating that one of them was stringent monitoring, which made it difficult for people to have their own way although they are still on the lookout.'For an institution like this, you will always have people who want to cut corners, but with these things in place, I think that the sky is the limit,' he said.Captain Bramwell T awiah, the Harbour Master at the Port of Tema, stated that the port would not rest on its oars, promising that it would continually work to improve security standards at Ghana's ports.He said they had drills and in-house training, as well as engaging foreign stakeholders, adding that they had training with experts from France being funded by the European Union and the Department of Transport, which enhanced their efficiency and performance in the ports.Source: Ghana News Agency