Coastal nations in the Gulf of Guinea are currently facing pressing peace and security challenges that are significantly impacting the well-being of their citizens, as highlighted by Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey on Monday.
Speaking at the 13th Ordinary Session of the Gulf of Guinea Commission (GGC) Council of Ministers, Botchwey emphasized the crucial role of member states in enhancing their capabilities and re-evaluating their strategies to address evolving threats.
Botchwey stressed that the current maritime insecurity and economic hardships in the region necessitate novel and efficient solutions.
She underscored the critical issues of illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing, maritime terrorism, smuggling, oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and trafficking, all of which pose a significant threat to the security and economic stability of Gulf of Guinea nations.
Botchwey urged a departure from the current’ business as usual’ approach to one that is focused on delivering tangible results, particularly in safeguarding the region’s maritime domain.
She stressed the importance of “building a safe and prosperous Gulf of Guinea for sustainable development” and fostering harmonious coordination among member states.
The session also addressed the need for strengthened conflict resolution frameworks and effective management of natural resources within territorial boundaries.
“Protecting navigation routes and the Blue Economy resources requires a peaceful atmosphere and consensus-building,” Botchwey said. She advocated for continuous, collective efforts to enhance peace and security in the region.
Jose Mba Abeso, Executive Secretary of the GGC, expressed confidence that the meeting’s recommendations would pave the way for significant progress, instilling a sense of hope and optimism in the audience.
“The depth and quality of our discussions have clarified the principal challenges and potential solutions,” Abeso remarked.
The 13th Ordinary Session of the GGC Council of Ministers precedes the sixth Ordinary Session of the Heads of State and Government of the Gulf of Guinea Commission, which will also be held in Accra.
