Accra, March 26, – Ghana’s legal framework on maritime crimes will soon be strengthened with a new Maritime and Other Offences Bill, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Security and Intelligence, has revealed.
The proposed legislation aims to align national laws with international piracy standards, addressing deficiencies in the current regime that hinder effective prosecution of maritime offences, she said.
Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings spoke on Wednesday during a stakeholder forum in Accra reviewing the National Framework for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism and Terrorism. The forum was convened by the Government through the National Counter Terrorism Fusion Centre, with technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
She noted that without specific provisions on piracy, law enforcement agencies often rely on other charges, a workaround that is increasingly inadequate amid evolving maritime threats.
The Bill will not only fill these legal gaps but also strengthen coordination among security agencies, while incorporating provisions in line with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Brigadier General Dr. Timothy Ba-Taa-Banah, Director of the National Counter Terrorism Fusion Centre, stressed that Ghana remains vigilant against security threats and credited proactive measures for the country’s record of zero terrorist attacks.
Ms. Shaima Hussein, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, highlighted the importance of addressing structural factors such as youth unemployment, inequality, and social exclusion, which can contribute to violent extremism.
The three-day engagement brought together officials from government institutions, civil society, religious bodies, and youth groups to assess the 2019 framework, identify gaps, and propose strategies for a more robust national security posture.
Recommendations from the forum will inform the review of the framework, ensuring it adapts to emerging threats and remains relevant to Ghana’s security needs.
GHBUSS
25 March 2026
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