Ghana maritime security and trade initiatives

In October 2026, Ghana hosted two significant maritime-related events aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and operational efficiency.

At the inaugural African Maritime Security Forum in Accra, Defence Minister Kenneth Gilbert Adjei addressed the growing threat of criminal networks exploiting the intersections of sea, land, and air. Adjei argued that no single nation can secure its waters alone, calling for enhanced intelligence-sharing and regional cooperation to protect the blue economy and strategic trade routes. He also noted the importance of capacity-building, citing long-standing support from Denmark for the Ghana Armed Forces.

Following this, a sub-regional workshop was held in Tema to facilitate the digitization of maritime trade systems through a ‘Maritime Single Window’. Organized by the International Maritime Organization in partnership with the Ghana Maritime Authority, the World Bank, and the Africa Transport Policy Program, the initiative aims to replace fragmented, paper-based processes with a unified digital platform. The workshop included delegates from various West and Central African nations, focusing on meeting international requirements and reducing economic costs through faster, more transparent port operations.