Chairperson of Parliament’s Security and Intelligence Committee and Member of Parliament for Klottey-Korle, Hon. Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has called for urgent legislative reforms and enhanced maritime domain awareness to address the growing threat of piracy and maritime crime in Ghana’s territorial waters.
She warned that Ghana’s inability to fully domesticate the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is undermining national security, regional cooperation, and economic stability.
In a statement on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday, October 22, the MP drew attention to the increasing wave of piracy and maritime crime in the Gulf of Guinea, stressing that Ghana’s current legal framework is inadequate to deal with the problem’s transnational dimensions.
“Despite Ghana’s prominent position, our domestic legislative and institutional frameworks remain inadequate to match the scale and complexity of the maritime crime threat,” she told Parliament.
She explained that under Ghana’s Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), the definition of piracy does not align with Article 101 of UNCLOS, a situation that has made it difficult for authorities to prosecute piracy cases successfully.
“Ghana has still not completely domesticated the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The absence of a comprehensive legal framework for prosecuting piracy and other maritime crimes not only hampers our ability to respond swiftly and effectively, but also undermines our commitments under international law,” she said.
Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings noted that the insecurity at sea has direct implications for Ghana’s economy and the cost of living for citizens, and stressed that one of the most significant, but often overlooked effects, is the elevated cost of maritime insurance premiums for vessels traversing the Gulf of Guinea.
She cautioned that because the Gulf is considered a high-risk area, shipping companies are charged higher insurance rates—costs that are ultimately passed on to consumers.
“In other words, the insecurity in our waters is quietly taxing every household in Ghana,” she emphasised. “If we are serious about improving our economy and protecting our borders, we must be equally serious about maritime security.”
The Klottey-Korle legislator underscored that maritime crimes such as piracy, smuggling, drug trafficking, and illegal fishing are transnational and interconnected with broader security threats.
Maritime crimes begin and end on land, she said, stressing that the nexus between maritime crime and broader transnational threats, including terrorism and organised crime, cannot be ignored. “Maritime security is not just a naval issue; it is a national security issue,” she added.
She called for greater community engagement and awareness creation, stressing the need to include coastal fishing communities in the national maritime security strategy.
Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings proposed several measures to enhance Ghana’s maritime security:
- Legal Reform: She urged the Minister for Transport to expedite the submission of a new Bill to repeal and replace outdated piracy laws and ensure full compliance with UNCLOS. “I have learnt that steps are being taken and Cabinet has given approval for the Bill to be laid. I urge the Minister to do so as soon as practicable,” she said.
- Maritime Security Fund: She recommended the establishment of a fund, financed through a portion of port charges, to support maritime security enforcement, technological upgrades, and community engagement.
- Community Integration: She called for the formal integration of coastal communities into national maritime security plans through training, reporting systems, and alternative livelihood support for youth.
- Awareness and Strategy Implementation: The MP urged the government to intensify public education on the dangers of maritime crime and to fully implement the National Integrated Maritime Strategy (NIMS) adopted a few years ago.
Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings appealed to Parliament to show leadership by prioritizing maritime security reforms.
“The time has come for Parliament to take leadership in this area,” she declared. “Let us prioritise the necessary legal reforms and work across the aisle to protect Ghana’s economic interests, territorial integrity, and the safety of our people.”
She emphasized the strategic importance of Ghana’s maritime domain, describing it as a source of trade, energy, nutrition, and sovereignty.
“If we are to secure Ghana’s future, we must secure our seas,” she said. “Let us demonstrate leadership through legislative reform, oversight, and a collective sense of urgency in rising to meet this challenge,” she added.
