Dr Emma Birikorang, Acting Director of Research, Faculty of Academic Affairs and Research at KAIPTC, has emphasised the significance of accurate maritime security reporting in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG).
That, she said, would contribute to a heightened awareness in maritime security issues in the sub region.
Madam Emma Birikorang, made the observation at the launch of a week-long capacity building programme on Maritime Security Reporting in Monrovia, Liberia.
“KAIPTC, as one of the three ECOWAS centres of excellence, remains committed to advancing peace and security in Africa through training, research, and policy advocacy and this latest course is a testament to our dedication to promoting safer maritime environments in the GoG,” Dr Birikorang said.
She noted that previous editions of the course in Ghana and Nigeria have already trained 72 participants, besides contributing to a heightened awareness offered new opportunities in maritime security reporting.
Addressing the opening session, Mr Nya S. Gbaintor, Principal Director of Administration at the Liberia Maritime Authority, highlighted the challenges of limited collaboration and communication among maritime actors in his country.
He also expressed concern over what he called the limited exposure among maritime security stakeholders to the roles and functions of different agencies.
“Given Liberia’s role as host to the Regional Search and Rescue Center, the country’s commitment to maritime security is evident, however, a lack of information sharing hinders effective problem-solving in the maritime security domain,” Mr Gbiantor said.
He emphasised the importance of information sharing and collaboration among maritime actors as crucial for promoting maritime security in Liberia.
The event marked the fourth in a series of training programmes organised by the KAIPTC, aimed at enhancing maritime security reportage in the Gulf of Guinea.
The course also formed a key component of the five-year project, “Integrated Responses to Threats to Maritime Safety and Security in the GoG Domain,” funded by the Government of Denmark and implemented in collaboration with the Inter-Regional Coordination Centre (ICC) based in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Targeted at media practitioners, communication professionals, and public relations officers within maritime agencies, the course brought together 28 participants, representing the media and various maritime agencies.
The project seeks to foster collaboration among stakeholders in the GoG maritime sector, promoting better understanding, coordination, and cooperation to address the region’s dynamic maritime security challenges.
The course is expected to culminate in enhanced collaboration and cooperation among media and maritime agencies, contributing to a more secure and well-informed maritime sector in the Gulf of Guinea
The knowledge is vital for ensuring accurate and effective reporting on maritime security, supporting the efforts of state and non-state actors in preventing maritime crimes, including piracy.
Mr Edmund Yaw Obeng, the acting Head of Mission at the Embassy of Ghana in Liberia, underscored the critical role of the media in maritime security.
Mr Obeng highlighted the shared historical bonds between Ghana and Liberia, particularly in maritime cooperation, and lauded the course as a platform to strengthen state-media collaboration in the region.
