The Ghana Ports Authority (GPHA) has announced that an altercation between security guards and Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) officials has been resolved amicably.
On Monday, May 13, 2024, at approximately 1:30 p.m., an altercation occurred between GPHA security and immigration officers on board the MV MSC DYMPHNA, and the altercation progressed to the Immigration Office in the Authority Building, Terminal 3. It escalated.
The incident arose from the failure of immigration officials to declare cargo received from a vessel in violation of standard operating procedures established by the International Ship and Port System Security (ISPS) Regulations and Protocols.
GPHA security personnel insisted on compliance with security procedures, leading to the altercation.
“While some media reports have sensationalized this incident, we recognize that we could have acted more effectively to prevent the situation from escalating,” the statement said.
It added: “GPHA management has met with representatives of the Ghana Immigration Service and the Ghana Maritime Authority to discuss this issue, including regular training and redirection of all national institutions in line with evolving maritime issues. We have reached an amicable solution that includes but is not limited to this,” it added. Security procedures and protocols. ”
Below is the full statement
Altercation between GPHA security guards and Ghana Immigration Officers at Tema Port
The Ghana Ports Authority (GPHA) has acknowledged recent reports and videos regarding an incident at Tema Port involving security personnel of the Ghana Ports Authority and some personnel of the Ghana Immigration Service. I would like to explain this matter.
On Monday, May 13, 2024, at approximately 1:30 p.m., an altercation occurred between GPHA security and immigration officers onboard the MV MSC DYMPHNA, which escalated to the Immigration Office in the Authority Building, Terminal 3. Did. This incident stemmed from the negligence of an immigration officer. Declare that cargo received from a vessel violates standard operating procedures established by the International Ship and Port Facilities Security (ISPS) Code and Protocols.
GPHA security personnel insisted on compliance with security procedures, leading to the altercation.
While some media reports have sensationalized this 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 actions of both parties.
GPHA takes full responsibility for the actions of the security personnel involved, who were subsequently disciplined.
GPHA management has met with representatives of the Ghana Immigration Service and the Ghana Maritime Authority to discuss this issue, including regular training and refresher training of all national agencies in parallel with evolving maritime security procedures. An amicable solution has been reached, including but not limited to. protocol.
Going forward, we emphasize the importance of adhering to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and protocols by all state agencies operating within the port and remind all parties to comply with the rules and regulations governing the port. We ask you to cooperate with us to maintain the integrity of our ports.
We appreciate your understanding and support.
Signed
Abena Selwa Opoku Foss
Marketing and Public Relations Manager;
Ghana Ports Authority
Tema Port