Let’s protect the blue economy - Dr. Kunbour

Minister of Defence Dr. Benjamin Kunbuor has urged states operating along the Gulf of Guinea region to take prompt actions at both national and regional levels, with support of the international community, to develop and implement national maritime security strategies, including the establishment of a legal framework to curb insecurities in the gulf of guinea.

Speaking at the launch of a book titled ‘Maritime Security Cooperation In The Gulf Of Guinea: Prospect and Challenges’, he expressed deep concern that piracy and armed robbery at sea in the Gulf of Guinea pose great danger to international navigation security, creating economic insecurities in the area.

According to Dr. Kunbour, the blue economy is a leading economic force in contemporary times as it is the setting for global trade and commerce, and a significant source for food as well as oil and gas resources, hence the need for proper governance.

He said: “The search for food security and alternative sources of minerals and energy has increased the importance of the sea, while advancements in technology has made it feasible for nations to tap oceans to fuel economic growth”.

In this regard, the Defence Minister indicated that maritime governance issues, when handled with deeper understanding, can promote unity and purposeful harnessing of the “blue resources” for the economy’s good.

He indicated: “Gulf of Guinea states must take prompt actions at both national and regional levels to develop and implement maritime security strategies, including the establishment of a legal framework and encouraging regional cooperation.

“Creating an atmosphere for cooperation and security will provide the platform to harness potentials of the region for the sub-region’s general good. We need to accept the fact that narrow understanding of maritime issues is not in the larger interest of countries in the Gulf of Guinea.”

The book ‘Maritime Security Cooperation in the Gulf of Guinea: Prospects and Challenges’ is a masterpiece that delves deeply into strategies that will make ports globally safe and secured.

It analyses the strategic environment of the Gulf of Guinea and sector-related threats, such as piracy and drug-trafficking.

The author of the book Commander Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali, said it provides among other things the legal, policy, governance and institutional frameworks that optimise benefits accruing from the maritime estate of Gulf of Guinea states, including Ghana.