Download exclusive interviews with Chiefs of Naval Staff

“We are in partnership with Great Minds Events Management who are organizing the maiden International Maritime Defense Exhibition and Conference in Accra Ghana from the 23^rd -25^th July 2019. At this conference, we expect a congregation of large numbers of maritime stakeholders both local and international as well as Chiefs of the Naval Staff within the sub-region and also from other countries to come and discuss principal issues facing the maritime security of Africa and in particular the Gulf of Guinea. At the conference, we hope to be discussing and having a conversation about modern technological innovations and curbing the illegal unregulated and unreported fishing which is dominating our maritime domain. We hope to have a conversation on information sharing and capacity building. We will also talk about cyber and electronic warfare. We have the opportunity for participants and attendees to visit the stands and exhibitions put in place by major defence and maritime industry to showcase modern and advanced technology in maritime surveillance, defence, command and control and a whole lot of technology to be displayed during this conference.”

“Globally in 21st century security architecture, no single Region, Nation or service is strong enough to check unfolding security threats singlehandedly, talk less of a region so blessed with natural resources such as oil and gas drawing diverse interests Globally yet, so porous like the Gulf of Guinea. The need for synergy amongst the region’s security agencies particularly amongst their military services therefore, needs no emphasis as it’s the only way forward if the desire to curb illegal activities within the Gulf is to be attained. Nation’s within the Gulf of Guinea, therefore, needs to focus on enhancing tri service capability for effective joint operations in the region as obtained in advanced Nations such as America, United Kingdom and China if the threats posed by illegal activities in the Gulf is to be nipped. This can be achieved through joint training within each Nation’s triservises and extending same to joint training, seminars, conferences and exercise as envisaged in the forthcoming International Maritime Defence Conference and Exhibition in Ghana.”

“The International Maritime Defense Exhibition and conference would provide a platform that brings together a diverse number of International maritime stakeholders from defense and security, industry and other interest groups with different perspectives to discuss threats affecting the maritime domain and proffer solutions using advanced technological innovations to counter them. Lasting solutions that addresses maritime insecurity would ensure socioeconomic prosperity and political stability. We are looking forward to seeing the latest technology in maritime security and strong resolutions and recommendations to surmount the daunting maritime challenges confronting the blue economy.”

“Being a meeting of professionals from the maritime and naval industries, the opportunity will be given to everyone to discuss the challenges and threats facing our maritime areas, find appropriate solutions to these challenges and threats and discover the new technologies allowing us to better fight against illicit activities at sea.

Of course, it will simply be an appointment to give, receive and discover new technological and scientific inventions in the field of defense and maritime safety.”

“What I am most looking forward to with the International Maritime Defense Exhibition and Conference (IMDEC) is creating and deepening partnerships. The specific added value that the IMDEC will be bringing is the framework of international and regional cooperation at all levels either strategic, operational or between agencies. That cooperation is critical in facing current maritime issues in the Gulf of Guinea for solutions can only be found and implemented collectively.”

“What matters to us in the area of maritime safety is to maximize our maritime patrols, make them more affordable economically and in this case the technologies help to achieve this goal. These fairs are particularly important so that we can learn about the new technologies and the help they can offer us in maritime situational knowledge (MDA). The value of IMDEC, is the interesting merger that was carried out between the Ghanaian Navy’s birthday and the fair.”