GHANA NAVY, JUDICIARY AND UNODC STRENGTHEN COLLABORATION THROUGH OBANGAME EXPRESS MOOT COURT
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) consultant on Law of the Sea, Barrister Matthew Egbadon, together with His Lordship Justice Kwesi Adjenim Boateng and Her Ladyship Justice Bertha Aniagyei, have paid a courtesy call on the Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing, at the Naval Headquarters on Monday, 27 April 2026.
The visit underscored the robust partnership among the UNODC, judiciary, and the Ghana Navy in combating maritime crime and enhancing the prosecution of related cases during Exercise Obangame Express 2026. Barrister Egbadon and Rear Admiral Bessing stressed on the persistent challenges of piracy, illicit drug trafficking, and illegal fishing, mentioning the need for a coordinated approach that integrates both law enforcement and judicial efforts.
The Chief Staff Officer (CSO) at the Naval Headquarters, Commodore Ben Baba Abdul, welcomed participants on behalf of the CNS and underscored the growing importance of the initiative. He noted that the Moot Court builds on the 2024 edition, which brought together the judiciary, security agencies, and international partners to strengthen maritime law enforcement and has since become a core component of the exercise, with similar engagements also held in Cameroon this year.
He explained that the exercise provides a platform to test legal frameworks, improve prosecutorial strategies, and strengthen coordination between naval operations and courtroom processes through proper evidence management.
The Acting Director Naval Legal Affairs, Commander (Cdr) Ruby Ann Renner, added that the Moot Court represents the final phase of the exercise, where maritime operations are subjected to judicial scrutiny. She emphasised that effective maritime security depended not only on successful operations at sea, but also on adherence to legal procedures, proper handling of evidence, and strong inter-agency collaboration.
Following the courtesy call, Her Ladyship Justice Bertha Aniagyei presided over a moot court session on maritime crimes at the Owusu Ansah Hall, bringing together legal experts and representatives from various agencies, including UNODC, INTERPOL, the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General, the Marine Police, the Fisheries Commission, and NACOC, to simulate a trial.
The session aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of maritime law, strengthen prosecution strategies, and enhance collaboration among stakeholders in addressing gaps in maritime crime enforcement.
Source : Ghana Navy
