CJ suggests the use of multi-dimensional approach to fight piracy

Accra, Oct. 7, GNA - The Chief Justice, Mrs Georgina T. Wood, on Thursday suggested the use of multi-dimensional approach in the fight against maritime piracy.

She likened maritime piracy to international terrorism and observed that the problem of piracy which was previously feared, had taken a wider dimension.

Mrs Justice Wood was addressing the opening session of a two-day Seminar for Superior Court Judges in Accra.

The seminar organised by Ghana Shippers Authority and Judicial Training Institute would review laws relating to the sale and purchase of ships, carriage of goods by air, the genesis and consequences of maritime piracy and oil-based economy.

She noted that maritime piracy could result in high increases in insurance premium for vessels diversion of routes thereby impeding importation and exportation of goods and revenue loss.

Mrs Justice Wood said the mention of piracy evoked the memories of software piracy associated with the music industry.

Subsequently, the Chief Justice said Ghanaians were inundated with the news of maritime piracy off the coast of Somalia, saying with the oil find in Ghana, ”It should be anticipated that pirates will find the coast of Ghana a fertile ground for their activities”.

Citing the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime report, Mrs Justice Wood indicated that training of navies, providing better equipment and strengthening law enforcement would not be enough unless West African countries tackled corruption and address endemic poverty, adding, if the criminals were to be denied an environment that was favourable to their illegal activities.

Mrs Justice Wood therefore, suggested strengthening of laws in the fight against unlawful acts against maritime navigation.

She said it was through cooperation with other countries in the Sub-region and the sharing of information that could sustain peace and security.

Mrs Justice Wood pointed out that the seminar would broaden the knowledge of Judges to meet expectations of the citizenry.

Mr Ebo Barton-Odro, Deputy Attorney General and Deputy Minister of Justice, stressed the need to use arbitration in resolving some of the maritime issues.

He said the courts were ready to dispense justice in accordance with international law and transaction.

Mr Barton–Odro said with the oil discovery, Ghana would need to strengthen her laws for the benefit of the citizenry.

He said the Ministry would continue to ensure proper formulation of relevant laws in accordance with international best practices and the issue of high levies charged by some shipping agencies would be addressed.

Mr Kwesi Botchwey, Former Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, called for building of human capacity to ensure effective, efficient and fair justice delivery.

He pledged to put his expertise at the disposal of the Judiciary.