The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) has said that its security officers who were captured on video engaging in altercation with Ghana Immigration Service officials have been reprimanded.
This is contained in a press release dated May 15, 2024 and signed by the Marketing and Public Affairs Manager, Abena Serwah Opoku Fosu.
“GPHA takes full responsibility for the actions of our security personnel involved, who have since been reprimanded,” a portion of the press release read.
It would be recalled that on Monday May 13, 2024, 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.
“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.
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 evolving maritime security procedures and protocols,” Madam Abena Fosu wrote.
Read full statement here.
