GPHA Reprimands Security Personnel Over Altercation With Immigration Officers

The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority has issued a statement to clarify the alleged altercation between the harbor security and some officials of the Ghana Immigration Service at the Tema Port.

The Port Authorities explained that, on Monday, May 13, 2024, there was an altercation between GPHA security personnel and officers from the Ghana Immigration Service on board MV MSC at the hours of 6:30 GMT. The report added that the altercation escalated to the Terminal 3 where the Immigration office is situated.

The letter signed by the Marketing and Public Affairs Manager, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority at the  Port of Tema, Abena Serwaa Opoku Fosu revealed that, “the incident stemmed from the immigration officers' failure to declare a package received from the vessel which contravenes Standard Operating Procedures established by the International Ships and Port Facility Security (ISPS) code and protocols.”

“While some media reports have sensationalized the incident, we recognize that it could have been handled more effectively to prevent escalation. GPHA prioritizes the safety and security of all stakeholders and condemns the behaviour displayed by both parties involved.”

The ports authorities have taken full responsibility of the actions of the port’s security personnel.

“GPHA takes full responsibility for the actions of our security personnel involved, who have since been reprimanded.”

There has so far been a discussion between the management of GPHA and the Ghana Immigration Service to find amicable solutions to the altercations so it doesn’t happen in the near future.

“The management of GPHA met with representatives from Ghana lmmigration Service and Ghana Maritime Authority to discuss the issue and have come to an amicable solution which includes, but not limited to periodic education and reorientation of all State Agencies in tandem with the evolving maritime security procedures and protocols.”

As part of the measures put in place to avoid such occurrences, the management of the port noted that, there has to be an emphasis on the importance of adhering to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and protocols by all State Agencies operating within the ports urging all stakeholders to uphold the rules and regulations governing the ports of Ghana and collaborate to preserve the integrity of the Ports.

 

 

.Kobina Darlington/