Parliament has passed the Maritime and Anti-Piracy Bill, providing Ghana with a legal framework to prosecute and punish crimes committed within its territorial waters.
The legislation comes months after 71 fishermen from Gomoa Nyanyano and Senya Bereku in the Central Region were attacked by suspected pirates who reportedly seized fishing equipment and other valuables while at sea.
Speaking after the bill was approved, Minister for Transport Joseph Bukari Nikpe said the law is aimed at tackling piracy, armed robbery and other unlawful activities occurring within Ghana’s maritime domain.
“It is a maritime-related offences law. Any offence committed within our territorial waters falls under this legislation, irrespective of who the offender is,” he told journalists.
According to the Minister, the new law empowers Ghanaian authorities to prosecute maritime offences committed within the country’s territorial waters, while existing international agreements will continue to guide extradition processes where necessary.
Mr Nikpe explained that offences covered under the legislation include piracy, robbery, hijacking and other criminal acts that threaten lives, property and maritime operations.
He noted that penalties for offenders will depend on the nature and severity of the crime, with the courts determining sentences in accordance with the law.
The Transport Minister said recent attacks on Ghanaian fishermen and the growing threat of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea highlighted the need for stronger legal measures to safeguard the country’s waters.
He expressed confidence that the legislation would deter criminal activities at sea, enhance security along Ghana’s coastline and protect the country’s maritime trade and fishing industry.
Mr Nikpe further indicated that the law aligns Ghana’s legal framework with international conventions aimed at suppressing unlawful acts at sea and strengthening global maritime security cooperation.
