MAIDEN AFRICAN MARITIME SECURITY FORUM OPENS AT KAIPTC
The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), in collaboration with the Security Institute for Governance and Leadership in Africa (SIGLA) at Stellenbosch University and the Royal Danish Defence College, has commenced the maiden African Maritime Security Forum on Wednesday 14 October 2026.
The two-day forum, held under the theme, “The African Maritime Landscape in Times of Geopolitical Uncertainty in 2026 and Beyond,” is being organised under the Danish Peace and Stabilisation Fund’s Maritime Security Programme for the Gulf of Guinea, covering the period 2022 to 2026.
The forum brought together key maritime security stakeholders to strengthen cooperation, promote dialogue and explore sustainable approaches to addressing emerging maritime threats across African waters.
The Guest of Honour, the Minister for Defence, Honourable Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, welcomed participants to Ghana on behalf of the Government and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to promoting safety and security in the Gulf of Guinea.
He noted that Ghana was proud to contribute to regional maritime security, emphasising that the sea was a source of livelihood, a strategic avenue for trade and a shared space whose security was indispensable to national and regional prosperity, rather than merely a boundary or passage for commerce.
The Minister observed that illicit activities originating along maritime routes could extend inland, cross national borders and undermine the security of several states. He stressed that no country, regardless of its capabilities, could effectively confront maritime threats in isolation.
“Our response must therefore be coordinated, intelligence-led and sustained by trust among nations,” he stated, adding that the situation required a comprehensive understanding of security and stronger collaboration among regional partners.
He called on participants to translate policy commitments into practical measures that would deliver security, confidence and prosperity for communities and dependants on the maritime domain.
The Minister also expressed Ghana’s appreciation for its longstanding partnership with Denmark, acknowledging the country’s contributions through military, financial and training support towards maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea and capacity-building for special operations within the Ghana Armed Forces.
He thanked the Government of Denmark for its continued support and reaffirmed the importance of international partnerships in addressing shared security challenges.
The Commandant of KAIPTC, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) David Anetey Akrong, in his welcome address, said the forum’s theme captured the prevailing realities of the maritime security environment and underscored the need for sustained collaboration among stakeholders.
He noted that piracy in the Gulf of Guinea had declined significantly, attributing the progress to collaborative regional initiatives, including the Yaoundé Architecture, which provides a framework for maritime security cooperation and coordination among countries in the region.
AVM Akrong expressed appreciation to the Danish Peace and Stabilisation Fund’s Maritime Security Programme for the Gulf of Guinea and SIGLA for their collaboration and support in organising the forum.
Providing an overview of the maritime security architecture, the Director of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Affairs of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Professor Ismael Theletsane, identified policy weaknesses, institutional fragmentation, inadequate political will and limited information-sharing among relevant institutions and states as challenges affecting effective maritime security governance.
He expressed hope that the deliberations would help identify practical solutions to these challenges, strengthen existing mechanisms and improve cooperation among maritime security stakeholders across the continent.
The Danish Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Jakob Linulf, said Denmark’s cooperation with regional partners had contributed to efforts to reduce piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. He reaffirmed Denmark’s commitment to supporting its partners in strengthening maritime security and developing the capabilities required to respond to emerging threats.
He also drew attention to geopolitical developments in the Middle East, noting that disruptions to shipping had resulted in vessel diversions and placed additional pressure on maritime security.
Mr Linulf expressed optimism that the two-day forum would generate practical solutions to challenges confronting the maritime sector. He commended the Royal Danish Defence College and KAIPTC for sustaining their partnership and providing a platform for dialogue on maritime security issues.
Present at the opening ceremony were Chiefs of Naval Staff, distinguished Generals, maritime security practitioners, policymakers, representatives of defence and security institutions, and other stakeholders.
Source : GAF
