MARITIME SECURITY REPORTING COURSE -KAIPTC

2-6 October 2023

Group picture at the GPHA
Welcome remarks by the Deputy Commandant of the KAIPTC, Air Commodore Arko Dadzie
Welcome Remarks by the Director of the Faculty of Academic Affairs and Research, Prof Kwesi Aning

In the relentless pursuit of fostering a secure and sustainable maritime environment within the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) region, it is imperative to recognize the pivotal role that media plays in shaping public perceptions. Nonetheless, numerous journalists encounter significant challenges due to the intricate and ever-evolving nature of the GoG domain. As a part of the comprehensive implementation of a 5-year project titled “Integrated Responses to Threats to Maritime Safety and Security in the Gulf of Guinea Maritime (GoG) Domain in West and Central Africa”, the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), with generous funding from the Government of Denmark, recently concluded a transformative 5-day course on Maritime Security Reporting. The primary objective of this course was to empower media practitioners with the essential skills and knowledge necessary for accurately reporting on maritime security issues while simultaneously fostering transparency, inclusivity, and collaboration among maritime stakeholders. This collaborative effort brought together 24 media professionals and representatives from maritime agencies spanning Senegal, Ghana, Benin, Togo, Liberia, Cameroon, Sierra Leone, Cote d’Ivoire, and Nigeria.

A standout feature of this course, held from October 2nd to 6th, 2023, at the KAIPTC, was the enlightening field visit and sea experience. Participants were afforded the unique opportunity to tour the Multinational Maritime Coordination Centre Zone F, gained insights into the operations of the Ghana Ports and Harbour Authority, and embark on an illuminating sea voyage. These immersive experiences were designed to bridge the divide between theoretical knowledge and the real-world challenges encountered in the maritime domain.

We are thrilled to share a testimonial from a participant who expressed her gratitude for the invaluable knowledge gained during the Maritime Security Reporting course.

This course has been eye-opening. I have learned so much about the intricacies of maritime security, which were previously unknown to me. I now feel empowered to contribute meaningfully to the discourse on maritime issues in my country. I intend to use the knowledge and skills gained here to shed light on the challenges we face back home. I believe that by doing so, we can work towards a safer and more prosperous maritime future for our nation and the blue economy of the Gulf of Guinea states.”
Participant from Senegal

This testimonial exemplifies the impact and significance of this course in empowering journalists to play a vital role in addressing maritime security challenges.