Ranking Member on Defence and Interior, John Ntim Fordjour
The Ranking Member on Defence and Interior, John Ntim Fordjour, has called for the urgent acquisition of offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) to strengthen Ghana’s capacity to combat piracy and other maritime crimes.
His call follows a recent violent sea attack near Senya Beraku, where armed men reportedly fired warning shots at fishermen and made away with their equipment.
Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, the lawmaker stressed that Ghana must prioritise maritime security, noting that incidents of piracy and sea robbery are becoming increasingly concerning.
According to him, the deployment of offshore patrol vessels would significantly enhance surveillance and rapid response operations along Ghana’s coastline, serving as a deterrent to criminal elements operating within the country’s territorial waters.
“Ghana needs offshore patrol vessels along its maritime borders to counter piracy effectively,” he emphasised, urging government to fast-track procurement processes to bolster the operational strength of the Ghana Armed Forces.
He also expressed concern over delays in appointing a substantive Minister of Defence, warning that leadership gaps within the defence sector could weaken Ghana’s security posture at a time when threats are evolving.
The recent attack triggered a coordinated rescue operation involving the Ghana Navy and the Ghana Air Force, leading to the safe recovery of 71 affected fishermen.
Rev. Ntim Fordjour maintained that equipping Ghana’s security agencies with modern assets must remain a national priority to safeguard lives, protect maritime resources, and preserve the country’s economic interests.
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Source:
www.ghanaweb.com