An Examination of the Framework to Combat Piracy in the Gulf of Guinea: A Case Study of Ghana.

Abstract

Maritime piracy poses a significant security threat to international navigation and maritime commerce, impeding economic development and tarnishing the reputation of affected countries. As a result, various strategies and frameworks have been devised to combat this growing menace, with individual countries bearing the primary responsibility for implementation. This study focuses on the frameworks for countering maritime piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, specifically examining how Ghana is implementing these strategies. The research adopts a qualitative approach, utilizing content analysis, thematic narration, and logical deductions of data and adopts the theory of international cooperation as the theory of analysis. Findings also show that at the international, continental, and regional levels, comprehensive arrangements are being implemented to address piracy, bolstered by support of implementing partners such as the European Union and the United States. Findings show that initiative like the Yaoundé agreements promote information sharing, cooperation, and coordinated responses towards countering piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. Further, the study shows that Ghana has actively implemented these regional arrangements by establishing legal and institutional frameworks, enhancing operational capabilities, engaging in joint patrols, and conducting training programs. These notwithstanding, the findings indicate that challenges persist in implementing these frameworks, including limited coordination, resource constraints, divergent priorities, jurisdictional complexities, and inadequate maritime domain awareness. The study recommends that, overcoming these challenges will require strengthened coordination, increasing resources and funding, aligning priorities, improving legal frameworks, fostering international cooperation, investing in surveillance infrastructure, and building trust among regional stakeholders.