President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of Ghana has urged members of the Gulf of Guinea Commission (GGC) to adopt measures that will lead to harnessing the full benefits of the organization.
Addressing the opening of the Sixth Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of Gulf of Guinea Commission at the Jubilee House in Accra on Tuesday, President Akufo-Addo stressed the need to re-examine the ways in which the organisation had been functioning over the past 23 years, in order to promote efficiency level, attain relevance, vibrancy and attractiveness.
Represented by Ghana’s Minister of Defence, Mr Dominic Nitiwul, Pesident Akufo-Addo said: “I am very confident that we are aware of the immense potential and capability of the organisation if steered in the right direction. I therefore urge all Member States of the organisation to show more political commitment at the highest level of government by ensuring participation in all statutory meetings at the highest and appropriate levels.”
President Akufo-Addo noted that even though the initial revitalisation efforts resulted in improved interaction with African regional economic communities and the African Union, especially the 2050 Africa Integrated Maritime Strategy, the commission is still saddled with the ongoing threats to the security and resources in the Gulf of Guinea.
According to local media reports, the Ghanaian leader stated that a rejuvenated Commission is essential to the collective pursuit of peace, security and stability in the respective countries and that “No single country can address independently the multiplicity of evolving maritime threats within their territorial waters”.
He therefore urged the member countries of the Commission to build their capacities through strengthened cooperation and enhanced information sharing amongst them, adding that such collaborative interactions would ensure co-ownership of initiatives and enhance innovative approaches to tackle the security challenges and threats to maritime security in the Gulf region.
The meeting, which has the theme: “Building a Safe and Prosperous Gulf of Guinea for Sustainable Development”, was attended by representatives of the Heads of State and Government of the Members States of the Gulf of Guinea Commission.
.GIK/APA