Management of Ghana Ports and Habours Authority (GPHA), Port of Tema, has apologized for an altercation between securities of Tema Port and some officers of Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) on Wednesday, May 15, 2024.
The confrontation between security personnel of the GPHA and officers of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) at the Team Port which was captured on a viral video on Monday, May 13, 2024, has sparked concerns about security protocols and collaboration among state agencies.
Statement from the GPHA, explained that the altercation occurred on board the vessel MV MSC DYMPHNA and later escalated to the immigration office at the Authority Building at Terminal 3. It continued that the incident stemmed from failure by the immigration officers to declare a package received from the vessel, which contravenes Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) established by the International Ships and Port Facility Security (ISPS) code and protocols.
“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.”
The video which since went viral and gained traction on platform of some major media houses, GPHA has acknowledged that it could have been handled more effectively to prevent escalation, while taking full responsibility for the actions of its security personnel involved, who the authority said it has reprimanded.
“While some media reports have sensationalized the 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 behaviour displayed by both parties involved. GPHA takes full responsibility for the actions of our security personnel involved, who have since been reprimanded.”
The statement which was signed by Abena Serwaa Opoku Fosu, Marketing and Public Affairs Manager of GPHA, emphasized the importance of adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs and protocols by all state agencies operating within the ports.
The statement also indicated that the management of GPHA has met with representatives from the Ghana Immigration Service and the Ghana Maritime Authority to discuss the issue and have come to an amicable solution, which includes periodic education and orientation on evolving maritime security procedures and protocols.
“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 orientation of all State Agencies in tandem with the evolving maritime security procedures and protocols.”