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The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) has confirmed the resolution of the recent dispute between GPHA security personnel and officers of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), which regrettably escalated into a physical altercation.
In an official statement released on Wednesday, May 15, the GPHA acknowledged the incident and admitted that better management could have prevented the escalation.
The GPHA clarified that the root cause of the altercation was the failure of immigration officers to declare a package, which violated the Standard Operating Procedures outlined in the International Ships and Port Facility Security (ISPS) code.
The GPHA emphasized that their security officials were simply enforcing strict adherence to these security protocols, which ultimately led to the unfortunate confrontation.
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“While some media reports may have sensationalized the incident, we recognize that it could have been handled more effectively to prevent escalation,” the statement concluded.
Read full statement below
ALTERCATION BETWEEN GPHA SECURITY PERSONNEL AND OFFICERS OF GHANA IMMIGRATION SERVICE AND AT PORT OF TEMA
The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) acknowledges recent reports and videos regarding an incident at the Port of Tema involving our security personnel and some officers from the Ghana Immigration Service. We wish to provide clarification on the matter:
On Monday May 13, 2024, at approximately 1830HRS, an altercation occurred on board MV MSC DYMPHNA between GPHA security personnel and immigration officers which escalated to the immigration office at the Authority Building at Terminal 3. 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.
The insistence of GPHA security officials on adherence to security procedures led to the altercation.
While some media reports have sensationalised the incident, we recognize that it could have been handled more effectively to prevent escalation. GPHA priorities the safety and security of all stakeholders and condemns the behaviour displayed by both parties involved.
GPHA takes full responsibility for the actions of our security personnel involved, who have since been reprimanded.
The management of GPHA met with representatives from Ghana Immigration 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.
Moving forward, we emphasize the importance of adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and protocols by all State Agencies operating within our ports and urge all stakeholders to uphold the rules and regulations governing our ports and collaborate to preserve the integrity of our Ports.
We appreciate your understanding and support on this matter.
SIGNED
ABENA SERWAA OPOKU FOSU
MARKETING AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS MANAGER,
GHANA PORTS AND HARBOURS AUTHORITY
PORTÂ OFÂ TEMA
