Tema: A delegation from the United States Coast Guard (USCG) has expressed high confidence in the safety protocols at the Tema and Takoradi ports following the conclusion of a three-day assessment of Ghana's maritime security infrastructure.
According to Ghana Web, the inspection, conducted in collaboration with the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) under the USCG's International Port Security (IPS) Program, serves as a critical verification of Ghana's compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. It acts as a vital stress test of a port's security ecosystem, evaluating physical infrastructure, operational procedures, and information-sharing protocols.
The USCG delegation, led by Scott Wolland, the Chief of Capacity Building and Technical Assistant, and accompanied by Crystal Wilson and Stephanie Alvarez, worked with their Ghanaian counterparts to conduct the inspection from January 13 to 16, 2026. The exercise evaluated physical infrastructure, identity management, and information-sharing protocols at the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority's (GPHA) Terminals One and Two, the Meridian Port Services (MPS) Terminal Three, and the Port of Takoradi.
Colonel Daniel Atobrah Bondah, the Port Security Manager at the Tema Port, highlighted the seamless inter-agency framework that allowed the Marine Police, Ghana Navy, Narcotics Control Commission, and the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) to operate under a unified security umbrella together with the port security.
Scott Wolland indicated that the inspections were conducted under the long-standing bilateral relations between Ghana and the United States, adding that it also provided the team an invaluable opportunity to share best practices. He emphasised that robust port security was a global necessity and essential for ensuring safe trade within the West African sub-region and between Ghana and the rest of the world.
Wolland proposed strategic enhancements through security simulations to test existing protocols and identify potential bottlenecks, and encouraged the GMA to consider the implementation of an external audit system to provide an objective 'check and balance' for internal security arrangements. He also called for a broad security awareness through refresher courses for non-security personnel, including administrative and operational staff, to ensure a port-wide culture of security awareness.
Wolland suggested that critical focus should be put on emerging threats such as cybersecurity, in strengthening digital defence. He emphasised that as ports become more automated, cybersecurity training for staff ought to be continuously enhanced to stay ahead of potential risks to maritime data and infrastructure.
Dr Kamal-Deen Ali, the Director General of the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), commended the USCG for their feedback from the evaluation. He noted that the GMA would begin coordinating with other agencies to develop new drill scenarios and further update the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Platform with the latest security data.
The GMA Director General assured of his outfit's resolve to continue working to improve security of the country's maritime domain, describing it as the cornerstone of Ghana's economic development and reputation as a leader in international trade within the West African sub-region.
Mustapha Adamah, the Head of Maritime Security, Search and Rescue at the GMA, pointed out that between 2023 and December 2025, Ghana's ports have seen remarkable improvements in security. Adamah stated that this followed the implementation of recommendations from previous inspections and audits regarding vulnerabilities that ought to be addressed by the port authority and private operators.