Port Operators take measures on security in maritime industry

Tema, March 1, GNA- Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, Minister of Ports, Harbours and Railways on Monday said Ghana is on course to satisfy the security requirements given by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) before the deadline in July.

In achieving this, the Ministry has prepared terms of reference and appointed a Recognised Security Organisation (RSO) to conduct the necessary port facility security assessment and develop security plans for implementation.

He was addressing port operators in the maritime industry at a five-day workshop on "Maritime Security" which is aimed at discussing and taking measures on security in the industry to prevent infiltration and attacks.

Following the tragic event of September 11, 2001, in the terrorist attack in the United States, the IMO adopted new provisions in the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) as well as measures to strengthen maritime security, prevent and suppress acts of terrorism against ports and shipping. He said the new comprehensive security regime for international shipping is set to come into force on July one, 2004 and it obliged ships and port facilities to take security measures at all levels leading to considerable tightening security in the world's ports including Ghana.

The Minister stated that the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) has taken measures to ensure that security at the ports were adequate while security personnel would be subjected to series of training in view of sophisticated equipment being used by terrorists and attackers.

Among them are the acquisition and installation of needed security equipment such as close circuit television monitors and automatic intrusion detectors for the two ports while export container cargo scanners would also be acquired if the security threat demands that. Terminal operators are being encouraged to equip their terminals with the relevant security equipment to treat detection and control purposes.

Mr Godwin Anim, Director of Tema Port said ports and ships have long been potential targets for criminal activities, "however, the time has dawned on us this time to give consideration to the use of ships and their cargoes as potential terrorist weapon".

It is therefore appropriate that port operators re-assess existing port security plans in order to address potential terrorist activities saying that as the port is the gateway to the sub-region it is the responsibility of the authority to ensure that the country is in line with the international maritime conventions and protocols.

He said the absence of a good security system undermines national security and threatens global transportation systems of goods, services and ships' security.

Mr Anim cautioned that ports should not just try to comply with the code in order to obtain a security certificate but aim at obtaining a safe and secure the port because those who meet the requirements win the confidence of their customers as they view the ports as safe to conduct business.

Captain Georgina Turkson, IMO representative said because of the worldwide escalation of acts of terrorism the challenge is for all parties, including the legislative to put the necessary infrastructure to tackle the situation before it escalated.