Exploring the Issue of Maritime Domain Awareness in Ghana M

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2019 Exploring the Issue of Maritime Domain Awareness in Ghana M. Agyare Asiamah

D. Dalaklis

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Recommended Citation Agyare Asiamah, M. and Dalaklis, D., "Exploring the Issue of Maritime Domain Awareness in Ghana" (2019). Articles. 480. https://commons.wmu.se/lib_articles/480

This Article Open Access is brought to you courtesy of Maritime Commons. Open Access items may be downloaded for non-commercial, fair use academic purposes. No items may be hosted on another server or web site without express written permission from the World Maritime University. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Issue 18 1st Issue 2019 ISSN: 2242-441X nmiotc Maritime Interdiction Operations Journal

The International Political and Legal Framework for Addressing Hybrid Threats

Exploring the Issue of Maritime Domain TRAINING CENTRE TRAINING Awareness in Ghana

An introduction to the Security Assessment for Offshore Oil and Gas Installations

Combined Cyber and Physical Attacks on NATO MARITIME INTERDICTION OPERATIONAL MARITIME INTERDICTION NATO the Maritime Transportation System

1 C O N T E N T S nmiotc COMMANDANT'S EDITORIAL MARITIME INTERDICTION Editorial by Stelios Kostalas OPERATIONS Commodore GRC (N) JOURNAL 4 Commadant NMIOTC

MARITIME SECURITY Director The International Political and Legal Framework for Address- Commodore S. Kostalas GRC (N) 6 ing Hybrid Threats, by Ambassador John H. Bernhard Commandant NMIOTC Exploring the Issue of Maritime Domain Awareness in Ghana by By Michael Agyare Asiamah & Dimitrios Dalaklis 19 Executive Director Captain R. Lapira ITA (N) ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE AND SECURITY Director of Training Support

An introduction to the Security Assessment for Offshore Oil 10 and Gas Installations Editor by Professor NikitasNikitakos and Commander P. Batsos GRC (N) Iosif Progoulakis (PHD Candidate) Head of Transformation Section

CYBER SECURITY Layout Production Lieutenant JG I. Giannelis GRC (N) Combined Cyber and Physical Attacks on the Journal Assistant Editor Maritime Transportation System 27 by Fred S. Roberts, Dennis Egan, Christie Nelson, RyanWhytlaw CCICADA Center, Rutgers University

NMIOTC COURSE & ACTIVITIES

38 The views expressed in this issue reflect the opinions of MWR EVENTS the authors, and do not nec- essarily represent NMIOTC's or NATO’s official positions. 47 All content is subject to Greek HIGH VISIBILITY EVENTS Copyright Legislation. Pictures used from the web are not subject to copyright 50 restrictions. You may send your comments to: NMIOTC TRAINING [email protected] 54

3 MARITIME SECURITY

EXPLORING THE ISSUE OF MARITIME DOMAIN AWARENESS IN GHANA by By Michael Agyare Asiamah & Dimitrios Dalaklis

Abstract tools within Ghana’s maritime related under pressure to mitigate pressing agencies and optimize performance problems such as Illegal, Unreported, The analysis in hand is discussing how by establishing a framework of special Unregulated (IUU) fishing, piracy and certain relevant agencies collaborate cooperation and standard operating armed robbery as well as the trafficking in the issue of Maritime Domain procedures applicable to all relevant of drugs and people, and transport of Awareness (MDA) in order to enhance stakeholders. illegal goods by sea (Hoyle, 2015). The safety and security in the (maritime) Republic of Ghana, being the gateway space of Ghana in particular and Introduction to West Africa and a new entrant in the Gulf of Guinea in general. The the production of oil in commercial purpose was to investigate Ghana’s The Gulf of Guinea (GoG) is a rather quantities, has a vested interest in the MDA capabilities, ascertain the current busy shipping area; it connects an developments within the region. As technical and operational capacity and extended number of countries and also a result, there is an important role to to bring to the fore major challenges provides a major source of revenue play in addressing maritime safety and that prevent effective collaboration for oil producing countries along its security issues in the GoG. between those agencies, while coastline. It is located partly in the identifying workable solutions. This North and partly in the South Atlantic Ghana is a littoral State located in research effort further identified the Ocean, along the Western and Central West Africa. The country shares a actions/initiatives required to improve African coasts with 17 coastal and 2 border with Togo to the East, Cote the conduct of maritime safety and/ island states, as illustrated in Figure d’Ivoire to the West, Burkina Faso to or security operations by the law 1. The heavy maritime traffic within the the North and the GoG to the South. enforcement agencies in the country GoG region is associated with safety, Its coastline of 300 nautical miles (nm) under discussion. Conclusively worth security and environmental challenges is stretching from Aflao on the East to highlighting is that it is necessary to to the coastal and island nations. New Town on the West. Because of its increase Ghana’s maritime security With an increasing number of vessels diverse maritime interests, Ghana has capacity by appropriately taking operating in the GoG, regulatory established 12nm of Territorial Waters, advantage of the current MDA available and law enforcement agencies are followed by 12nm of Contiguous

19 discovery of hydrocarbon deposits has created a different economic environment and has become the engine of national progress. Ghana like any other GoG country, is faced with increasing maritime safety and security threats, evident among them being piracy (Dalaklis, 2012). The major threats mostly identified in the maritime domain of Ghana include the following:

Environmental. The effect on

MARITIME SECURITY the environment of the activities associated with oil production (oil pollution), illegal discharges from ships Zone, resulting in a 200nm Exclusive installations and vessels engaged as well as illegal dumping is enormous Economic Zone (EEZ) (CIA, 2018) in the vibrant fishing industry as well and the necessary attention must be and 350nm Continental Shelf (Daily as tourism and other commercial given. Pollution of the environment by Graphic, 2018), in full accordance with activities have created the need for the exploration/drilling of oil is mainly provision of UNCLOS , as depicted in constant monitoring of the maritime in the form of oil spillage into the sea, Figure 2. Shipping and sea-borne trade area. accidental discharges at sea and the are vital to the economic development This research effort, among other accidental spill process of the oil. of the country with nearly 90% of both things, sought answers to what Finally, the dumping of toxic waste imports and exports carried through Ghana’s policies and priorities on must be included in the complete the sea lines of communication (Shou, MDA are, what Ghana’s current MDA environmental protection equation.

Fisheries. The fishing industry in Ghana is threatened with extinction as a result of over-fishing and IUU. Industrial fishing vessels are not allowed to fish in the Inshore Exclusive Zone, which corresponds to areas from the coastline to 6nm seaward or below 30m depth, while artisanal fishing canoes are permitted to fish within those areas. However, many industrial fishing vessels simply defy this provision, resulting in the depletion of the fish resources. Often, IUU fishing Figure 2: Ghana’s maritime boundary fleets illegally scoop-up hundreds of Source: Created by authors, as a modification from Ghanaweb.com millions of dollars’ worth of fish from 2017). capabilities and assessments are, Ghanaian waters, a basic reason why The territorial waters of Ghana abound what challenges the various maritime import restrictions were imposed on in enormous natural resources, stakeholders face in collaboration and Ghana’s fisheries products in 2012 including fisheries, minerals and information sharing, whether adequate and 2013 by the European Union (EU) hydrocarbon deposits. Moreover, training has been given to operators of (MOFAD, 2014). Ghana has become a major maritime the various MDA tools, and how the trading hub for West Africa in recent situation could be improved. Illegal Bunkering/Crude Oil Theft. years (GPHA, 2015). It is indicative Illegal bunkering includes the purchase that since 2010, there has been the 3. Ghana’s Maritime Safety of illegally acquired or refined oil issue of oil production in commercial and Security Threats products mostly at cheaper rates. It quantities, with several explorations is typically acquired from stolen oil still on-going in the western part of Ghana’s maritime domain has changed and the destruction of oil pipelines the EEZ. The protection of the oil significantly in the last decade. The with criminal intent for mischief or for

20 monetary gains. It also involves the Code of Conduct. At the diversion of crude and refined products sub-regional level, there by unauthorized persons at sea. When is the establishment of companies continue to patronise these the Regional Maritime MARITIME SECURITY cheap products, illegal bunkering has Security Centre the tendency to increase criminal for Central Africa activities like piracy and armed robbery (CRESMAC), located in at sea (Akah and Dalaklis, 2017). It is Pointe-Noire, Republic against this backdrop that MT Mammy of the Congo for the Mary and MT Metrix 1 were both ECCAS region. In arrested by the Ghanaian Navy when addition, the Regional they illegally traded oil consignment Maritime Security about 5nm from Tema Harbour on 14 Figure 3: Gulf of Guinea Information Sharing Architecture Centre for West Africa April 2018 (Ocloo, 2018). Source: Created by the authors (CRESMAO), located activity in West and Central Africa, in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire Piracy/Robbery at Sea. Piracy and also widely known as the Yaoundé serves the ECOWAS region. The multi- robbery at sea are set to be on the Code of Conduct, was adopted at the national level has a zonal approach rise in the GoG region at an alarming Yaoundé summit in Cameroon on 25 system, established to coordinate rate (IMB, 2018), surpassing that in June 2013. This regional framework is activities within the zones known as the Horn of Africa. These pirates and an initiative of Economic Community Multi-National Maritime Coordination robbers usually target ships’ crews, of West African States (ECOWAS), Centres (MMCC). These centres cargo and other valuables. The first Economic Community of Central group states together, to pursue quarter of 2018 saw a string of 22 African States (ECCAS), the Gulf of common maritime security interests. piratical attacks in the GoG region, Guinea Commission (GGC) and the The national level, represented by in the maritime domains of Ghana Maritime Organisation of West and MOCs of the various representing (1 hijacked), Benin (2 hijacked) and Central Africa (MOWCA), and contains countries, will be required to contribute Nigeria (1 hijacked), with very high a comprehensive strategy that seeks immensely and work towards the success rates (IMB, 2018). The to counter maritime threats within the realisation of the overall aim of the number of incidences surpassed GoG region (IMO, 2013). integrated maritime strategy. those from all other regions in the first quarter of 2018. This Code of Conduct brings signatory 3. Agencies Concerned with states together to take appropriate Issues of MDA in Ghana Trafficking. Ghana in 2016 was measures to combat maritime threats, identified among the major cocaine in accordance with international MDA involves the interaction between transit points, with about 61% being standards, and also commit to several maritime agencies confronted transported out of the country by sea maritime information sharing among with the challenge of ensuring safety (UNODC, 2016). Drug trafficking, a states. It is of interest to note that and security as well as clean and transnational crime, has an impact on the leading pillar of the strategy is environmentally friendly seas (Bueger, national security and is also directly interoperability between stakeholders 2015). It is interesting to note that each related to other types of organised to gather timely intelligence and share one of these agencies has its specific crime such as money laundering and it among themselves at national or mandate, internal bureaucracy and terrorism. Moreover, it has the potential international levels. Through that, the organisational culture. The problems to corrupt state institutions and to various countries have developed and encountered with internal red-tape affect the stability of state systems and operationalized Maritime Operation are often translated into the national society. Also, humans and weapons Centre (MOC) for their navies and/or level. The maritime stakeholders may be trafficked through Ghanaian coast guards, to facilitate information are cross-sectoral in nature. The waters if criminals find that these sharing. agencies include the Ghana Maritime waters are not properly secured. Authority (GMA), the law enforcement For effective monitoring and agencies (Navy, Police) and other 2. The Yaoundé Code of enforcement capabilities, the Inter- regulatory agencies (Environmental Conduct Regional Coordination Centre (ICC) Protection Agency (EPA), Monitoring, was established at the strategic level Control and Surveillance (MCS) unit The Code of Conduct concerning the to implement the regional integrated of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture repression of piracy, armed robbery strategy for maritime safety and (MOFAD), Ghana Ports and Harbours against ships and illicit maritime security, contained in the Yaoundé Authority (GPHA), National Security

21 Coordinating Council (NSCC), receipt of ship reports. Centres (MOCs). There is a main National Disaster Management national MOC located in Accra. There Organisation (NADMO) and Narcotics Three (3) Remote Base Stations for are also the East MOC in Tema and Control Board (NACOB)). inland waterways located along the West MOC in Takoradi. Plans are in River Volta. place for two (2) additional MOCs 4. Initiatives Contributing to to be established in locations near MDA in Ghana Three (3) Area Control Centres for the the borders to the East and West. West, Central and East sectors, and With the VTMIS framework, the Piratical attacks (including armed one (1) National Control Centre sited national MOC has a “control centre” robbery at sea) have been increasing in Accra. status, while the others are only in the GoG region at an alarming rate monitoring centres. The MOCs are since 2007, with incidences exceeding There are provisions to further equip further equipped with the “SeaVision” a quarter of worldwide reported attacks. the RSS with meteorological and and “Time Zero” Coastal Monitoring

MARITIME SECURITY Maritime insecurity in the region hydrological sensors. When that Systems, provided by the US Navy. affects the transport of about 5 million equipment are integrated in the “SeaVision” is a surveillance system tons of oil per day, which is more than system, it will provide local weather that was specifically developed for the half of Africa’s total production per day data from the respective sites to the US Navy and allied partner nations and about 30% of the United States Control Centres for broadcasting. to coordinate and track vessels of of America’s oil imports (Vircoulon The data gathered from the Remote interest around the world. “Time and Tournier, 2014). To address the Sites is transmitted to the Control Zero” coastal monitoring system is a situation, there have been a series Centres. The VTMIS operators are maritime surveillance solution that is of political level initiatives by member then able to display that vessel traffic optimally configured for the coastal states of the region to implement a information on screens. surveillance of Ghana. regional strategy for the safety and security of the maritime domain of The Ghanaian Navy has established 6. Vessel Monitoring Systems both West and Central Africa. For its VTMIS control station at the (VMS) Ghana, of particular interest was headquarters in Accra, with two (2) the operationalisation of a Vessel other monitoring stations in Tema To ensure food security and sustain Traffic Monitoring Information System and Takoradi respectively. The Tema the socio-economic development of (VTMIS). The main components of the port which is operated by GPHA, the country, the MCS department of VTMIS in Ghana are Eight (8) Remote NSCC, MCS and NACOB also have MOFAD operates a Vessel Monitoring Sensor Sites (RSS) located along the monitoring stations to monitor vessel System (VMS) to control fishing vessel coast of Ghana from East near Togo to traffic. In addition, there are provisions activities for the protection of Ghana’s West near Cote d’Ivoire (GMA, 2014), for Monitoring Station facilities to be fishing stock. The use of this VMS with all associated infrastructures implemented in the Takoradi port. The is intended to curb the problem of explained below: system is yet to be reconfigured for overfishing, so that Ghana’s fishing Customs, Immigration and the Marine stock will not be woefully depleted. Eight (8) Remote Sensor Sites (RSS) Police; this will be performed after they A VMS is usually employed by located along the coast of Ghana from have all relocated to their new offices fisheries regulatory authorities for the East near Togo to West near Cote in various locations. It is of interest to monitoring of position, course and d’Ivoire. The RSS are equipped with note that a control centre can utilize speed, including time at position, of radio communication towers, radars, all the functionalities of the VTMIS registered fishing vessels (Interpol, Automatic Identification System (AIS) equipment, while monitoring centres 2014). Unlike AIS, VMS data is receivers, as well as Closed Circuit have limited use of functionalities like limited to the government agency Television (CCTV) for detecting and flagging a vessel of interest. that installed it. All industrial fishing identifying ships and fast moving trawlers in Ghana are mandated by boats. The sites are equipped 5. Ghana’s Maritime law to install VMS transmitters on- with marine radio communication Operations Centres board. With that provision, the MCS equipment i.e. MF/HF and VHF, is able to monitor the activities of the which complies with the International For the Ghanaian Navy to perform fishing fleet and query any suspicious Maritime Organisation (IMO) standard its functions well, surveillance and activity the vessels may engage in. provisions for Global Maritime Safety intelligence gathering is pivotal. For The vessels’ details are transmitted and Distress Systems (GMDSS) that reason, the US Navy in various even 72 hours after the transmitter is and Long Range Identification and forms assisted the Ghanaian Navy to tampered or destroyed by criminals at Tracking (LRIT) to enable regular set up three (3) Maritime Operation sea so that authorities will be able to

22 track the vessel in all circumstances. developed in 2011. The plan, which interoperability. was hoped to inform the budgetary Also, the current contractual clauses 7. Challenges of allocation of government for the are not favourable to the continuity Collaboration for MDA in entire transport sector, effectively of operations of the surveillance MARITIME SECURITY Ghana outlines policies for air, rail, road, systems. Most of the contractual urban, motorised and intermediate agreements require the systems to Ghana acknowledges the importance forms of transport. Strangely enough, be remotely configured after minor of MDA in its activities; in response, however, the plan barely touched on breakdowns, and an expert to be flown there is equipment operated by various maritime transport even though it is in from abroad to fix major problems. maritime agencies to enhance MDA recognized that plans are not legally Constant monitoring of activities at sea capabilities in its waters. However, binding on agencies. However, the will be adversely affected when there there is no formally documented significance of maritime transport for is any type of breakdown that takes Policy on this issue. It was identified the development and prosperity of days or extended number of hours to that the lack of a comprehensive Ghana was emphatically recognised. be rectified. If there is a delay in travel and clear Maritime Strategy seems GMA admits shortages in its regulatory arrangements or internet connection to prevent agencies from effectively capacity as well as insufficient problems, the case will even be cooperating. Without a maritime financial resources. There is also a worsened. strategy, which should outline the shortage of local skills and capacity in roles and responsibilities of GMA the administration and management Conclusion and other maritime agencies, there of the maritime sector that suggests is no guidance for these agencies, the tendency to depend on foreign Shipping activities within the GoG, so cooperating with other parties/ technical and financial support. The and especially the maritime space of stakeholders is not mandatory to Ghanaian government admits that Ghana have increased significantly them. It is of interest to note that the new oil and gas discovery poses since 2007, when Ghana started to during the current research effort, it several challenges for the maritime produce oil and gas in commercial was identified that the various systems transport sub-sector. It has, therefore, quantities. Other reasons include supporting information collection directed the GMA to develop regulations expanded fishing activities, as well as and handling are not interoperable and enforcement mechanisms and the fact that Ghanaian ports of Tema because they were purchased from procedures in good time. However, and Takoradi serve as important transit different manufacturers and for whilst GMA is already mandated to hubs for neighbouring land-locked purposes independent of each other. coordinate these activities, it faces countries, especially Burkina Faso. It was also identified that the coastal additional challenges caused by the As a matter of fact, there have been communities and Non-Governmental multi-agency environment in which commensurate safety and security Organisations (NGOs) concerned maritime regulation is developed and issues within the maritime domain of with maritime activities have very enforced. Ghana. To help in the surveillance little or even no knowledge about It was further identified that apart of the maritime space and enforce MDA. However, every activity that from diverse national interests maritime laws, various maritime happens at sea spans from land. If spearheading collaboration through agencies in Ghana operate different the coastal communities and local exercises and combined training and unfortunately not integrated fisher associations are effectively during multinational initiatives, Ghana maritime surveillance systems. involved in sharing vital information, maritime stakeholders on their own This research effort was conducted intelligence can be gained about illicit do not organise any form of activity in order to investigate the Ghanaian maritime activities, like armed robbery that enhances cooperation. To say the MDA capabilities and to identify and piracy; this is essential in order to least, it is upsetting for these agencies, the challenges in collaboration intervenes even before these criminals to allow any external actor to bring between these maritime agencies, proceed toward the sea. them together instead of initiating policies and priorities on MDA, Unfortunately, Ghana does not collaborative efforts themselves. It is current MDA capabilities, also to pin- prioritize the maritime environment only Exercise Obangame, intended point surveillance operator training as key to economic prosperity. On for cooperation among countries requirements and finally, to suggest the positive side, the government of in the GoG, which brings maritime ways of improvement. However, this Ghana acknowledges the importance stakeholders in Ghana together for a study was limited to maritime surface of transportation in supporting the combined exercise. The GMA should surveillance alone; a thorough study is productive sector of the economy. institute an “internal programme” further recommended encompassing Because of that, an Integrated that helps in exercising the various aviation, as well as under-water Transport Plan for Ghana was surveillance systems for enhanced activities in order to holistically mitigate

23 safety and security problems in the help to deal with safety and security in the domains of maritime safety and maritime space of Ghana. threats in its maritime domain. That security alone. The Yaoundé Code of Conduct is a notwithstanding, there is certain room One way to achieve inter-agency regional initiative from ECOWAS and for improvement. cooperation is to establish political ECCAS to help curb piracy and armed In any case, technology is just a or legislative top-down inter-agency robbery against ships plying the route tool to enhance maritime safety directional approach to maritime within the GoG region. The Code and security, but a good level of issues. However, it becomes entreats interoperability between performance will not be achieved until cumbersome if every issue is handled maritime stakeholders and effective authorities take the necessary action this way, and is subject to whim or sharing of maritime information. This to show commitment and willingness politics in terms of which main issue regional aim cannot be realised if to document policies and procedures is most important. A better way is to similar collaboration is not effective that can help harness the potential of get all agencies together and outline at the national level. The surveillance technology. If the suggested remedial a comprehensive list of national

MARITIME SECURITY systems employed in Ghana have all actions provided are implemented, concerns, then work together to agree the needed tools, including coastal most importantly when a national on how to address them, with required radars, cameras, AIS receivers and maritime policy is documented and resources clearly allocated. Subject- LRIT embedded for effective monitoring sanctioned by the legislature, all the matter expert exchanges and joint of the maritime environment. However, maritime stakeholders will be bound training are helpful in understanding the major maritime agencies like by law to adhere to the provisions of the structure and workings of other GMA, the Ghanaian Navy and MCS that document. They will be obliged agencies. In this case, the maritime unit of MOFAD operate independent to swiftly collaborate and ensure a agencies could agree to a framework surveillance systems to monitor their collective effort to enhance maritime outlining the biggest threats, key various areas of interest. Therefore, safety and security. shortfalls in addressing those threats the issue of “interoperability” and and available resources to address promoting cooperation, even via a Recommendations them. “top-down” approach enforced by a Prioritizing maritime issues within national policy/guideline document are Ghana, as a littoral country, needs government policies is also clearly standing out as priorities. an all-encompassing Maritime recommended. One of the most There is the perception that Strategy, with an MDA policy clearly effective measures maritime agencies collaboration between these maritime described in that document. This can take is to make sure that policy agencies is effective. However, can be done when risk assessment decision makers understand the case studies reviewed indicate lack is carried out to ascertain the best importance of maritime safety and of effective cooperation between plan of action for each anticipated security to the greater economy of the agencies due to the absence threat, with the corresponding roles Ghana and the impact on the average of a national maritime policy. Even of various maritime agencies in each Ghanaian. In that stead, “maritime combined maritime exercises that plan of action clearly stipulated. It oriented” seminars specifically bring the agencies together, like is recommended that authorities designed for the attendance of Exercise Obangame Express, are expedite action in developing and politicians and government officials spearheaded by external actors/ documenting strategies for effective are of high urgency and importance. interests. An all-encompassing MDA. It is typical to focus more on land- maritime policy will document clear- Once this strategy is approved and based priorities because those tend cut roles for the maritime agencies, adopted, agencies will need to follow to be more pressing and affect the with the idea of achieving the national the associated strategic directives day-to-day lives of citizens. Piracy, oil objective. and work together to formulate spills, illegal fishing and other maritime During the overall Master Thesis implementation plans through issues have huge negative impacts, effort, questionnaires were harmonized procedures, policies, but may not have direct impact on administered to various maritime and Standard Operating Procedures the average citizen. It is, however, the agencies and the responses were (SOPs) that would be in line with the responsibility of the maritime agencies duly analysed. The observations strategy. When that is accomplished, to communicate to government and findings have been presented Interagency Working Groups could overseers and citizens the role that in line with the research objectives. be assembled to devise Interagency MDA and the maritime environment The findings were summarized and MOCs, joint task forces and other play in their economic well-being. necessary conclusions drawn. It was groups to work in a harmonized Without this, the agencies will be deduced that Ghana has a satisfying manner to tackle maritime challenges. acting in isolation and will never get level of MDA capabilities that can No single agency can achieve success the necessary resources to address

24 the problems. will help avoid misunderstandings breakdowns, and an expert flown in It is further recommended that between agencies and possibly reduce from abroad to fix major problems. surveillance operators are trained response time of Maritime Interdiction Instead, this arrangement could be on information technology and cyber Operations (MIO) when the need be. changed for locals to be trained, and MARITIME SECURITY security. There is the need to ensure A joint national maritime operations equipped with the proficiency to work that people with criminal intent do not centre, that mimics the Maritime effectively on those systems to fix any tamper with the information exchange Multinational Coordinating Centre problem that develops on them. within the surveillance systems. It is a of the GoG information sharing Finally, another important issue for fact that system manufacturers have architecture, should also be consideration is that, there could also certain security features in place. established. This centre can be be a network with fisher associations, Nonetheless, operators should be staffed with representatives from fishing communities and association trained to identify spurious activities all maritime agencies, and through of fishing canoe owners created, so or any tempering with the systems, these representatives, information that they can report any illegal activity and be able to effect repairs in order sharing among the agencies could they sight at sea (Human Intelligence to ensure system integrity for effective be enhanced. Staff who work at this – HUMINT). Arrangements could surveillance. centre can be posted to the MMCC and be made with telecom companies It is strongly recommended to conduct CRESMAO in rotation. The experience to provide a dialling short code for regular multi-agency exercises and of the staff in the national centre will easy reporting. This network could drills in order to enhance multi-agency be beneficial when such persons are also be complemented by certain cooperation. Effective decision making employed at the sub-regional and incentives: for example, the maritime is based on accurate information, regional maritime centres. agencies could provide life jackets or transmitted in good time. Exercises Furthermore, it is recommended marine radios as reward for those who together will go a long way to improve that certain contractual clauses swiftly report incidents with malicious timely information sharing, and reduce are reviewed to favour continuity of intents. With this arrangement, any agencies’ response time to incidents. operations of the surveillance systems. illicit activity that goes unnoticed by This could mitigate the negative This stems from the fact that most of the surveillance systems could be effects of safety or security issues the agreements require the systems identified once sighted by the fishing in the maritime space of Ghana. It to be remotely configured after minor canoe operators.

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