President John Dramani Mahama has reiterated Ghana's readiness to lead a new era of maritime security, innovation, and prosperity. 

He also underscored Ghana’s commitment to regional maritime security, economic resilience, and international cooperation. 

The President stated this in a statement read on his behalf by Mr Julius Debrah, the Chief of Staff at the Presidency, at the Four 

The International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (IMDEC) at Burma Camp in Accra. 

Addressing security chiefs, diplomatic partners, and industry stakeholders from across the globe, President Mahama said: "The blue economy is our next frontier".  

“It is time to match our aspirations with investments in technology, collaboration, and human capacity development.” 

President Mahama noted that his vision was not merely about safeguarding Ghana’s coastline but about unlocking the full economic potential of West Africa’s maritime domain—from oil and gas infrastructure to fishing, port modernization, and regional trade corridors.  

He emphasized that maritime security was essential not only for protecting national assets but for advancing the broader goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the region’s industrial transformation. 

He noted that Ghana would deepen cooperation with its neighbours and international allies to combat piracy, illicit trafficking, and environmental degradation in the Gulf of Guinea. 

“We must adopt a shared security approach—no country can protect its maritime space in isolation,” he said. 

The President said Ghana, under his leadership, would build on smart partnerships with ECOWAS, the African Union, and global powers to protect the common waters and promote peace. 

He outlined Ghana’s plan to enhance the capabilities of the Ghana Navy and allied agencies by investing in cutting-edge surveillance, joint training, and research facilities. 

The President called on stakeholders, both public and private, to support Ghana’s blueprint for the future.  

He reiterated that Ghana remained open for strategic investment and joint ventures in maritime logistics, shipbuilding, port infrastructure, and coastal tourism. 

As the IMDEC 2025 conference continues, Ghana’s role as a beacon of stability and innovation in West Africa has once again taken center stage. 

“Our waters hold the promise of economic empowerment. Let us secure it. Let us protect it. And let us build a future upon it," he said.