The Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has said stressed the need to brainstorm and come up with long-term solutions to address the surge in attacks by Pirate Action Groups (PAGs) and increasing incidences of Kidnapping For Ransom, adding that, six Ghanaians were victims in 2020.
Reports indicate that a total of 79 actual and attempted attacks were carried out in 2020 in the Gulf of Guinea, representing a 34% increase as compared to 59 attacks recorded in 2019.
Speaking at the opening of the 2nd edition of the International Maritime Defense Exhibition and Conference (IMDEC ‘21), Dr. Bawumia said, there was a rise in the number of cases of Kidnapping for Ransom (KFR) and hostage-taking.
He added that In 22 separate attacks recorded in 2020, 130 out of 135 persons kidnapped globally were reportedly abducted in the Gulf of Guinea alone. This represents 95% percent of all kidnapping cases with Nigeria recording 62 and Benin 29.
The situation has become even more precarious considering that over the past two months, about 10 crew members of two Ghanaian-flagged fishing vessels have been abducted in separate incidents along the Gulf of Guinea.
“The first half of the year (2021) has witnessed greater piracy threat and activities with over 30 recorded incidents. These incidents led to some renowned maritime security institutions issuing warning notices to all vessels plying the Gulf of Guinea. This is detrimental to the security and economic interest of the region,” he warned.
Vice President Bawumia said the government will also see to training and welfare of the Naval Personnel to put in their best and to remain professional in the discharge of their duties.
Source: Mybrytfmonline.com/Kofi Atakora
