African Maritime Forces Summit Convenes in Ghana to Address Security Challenges

The African Maritime Forces Summit and Naval Infantry Leadership Symposium - Africa (AMFS/NILS-A) 2024 convened in Accra, Ghana on April 30, bringing together over 40 partner nations with marine forces and naval infantry to address transnational maritime security challenges in African waters. The combined event, hosted for the first time, is a strategic-level forum designed to develop interoperability, crisis response capabilities, and cultivate relationships to improve Africa's maritime domain security.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of Ghana highlighted the government's commitment to strengthening the Ghana Navy and the Ghana Armed Forces, including the acquisition of 20 vessels and the construction of a new naval base. "Continuous cooperation and collaboration among global maritime stakeholders is needed to ensure the sustainability of maritime security," President Akufo-Addo emphasized. He called for African leaders to unite in the fight against illegal activities plaguing the continent's coastlines, stressing the pressing need for collaborative efforts and collective accountability in tackling maritime security issues.

The summit addressed various maritime security challenges facing Africa, such as piracy, illegal fishing, smuggling, and maritime terrorism, which threaten the region's economic development and stability. Key topics discussed include strategies for cooperation, maritime security interventions, and countering illicit maritime activities. The event featured joint exercises between the U.S. Navy, the Ghana Navy, and other partner nations, aimed at improving interoperability and operational response to maritime threats.

Why this matters: The African Maritime Forces Summit and Naval Infantry Leadership Symposium - Africa 2024 represents a significant step towards enhancing maritime security cooperation and addressing the complex challenges facing African waters. The event underscores the importance of international collaboration in safeguarding the continent's maritime domain and promoting regional stability and economic growth.

U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, highlighted the shared commitment to maritime security and the enduring partnership between Ghana, the U.S., and the African continent in addressing the threat of terrorism and violent extremism in the region. The event also comes a week prior to the kickoff of Obangame Express 2024, a premier West African maritime exercise facilitated by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF). President Akufo-Addo reiterated the importance of heightened cooperation among African navies, advocating for increased joint exercises to confront prevailing threats and bolster maritime awareness. The summit serves as a platform to strengthen relationships and facilitate better regional cooperation in addressing maritime security challenges across Africa.

Key Takeaways

• African Maritime Forces Summit and Naval Infantry Symposium held in Ghana in 2024.
• Ghana's commitment to strengthen its navy and armed forces, including acquiring 20 vessels.
• Summit addressed maritime security challenges like piracy, illegal fishing, and terrorism.
• Emphasized international collaboration to enhance maritime security and regional stability.
• Precedes Obangame Express 2024, a major West African maritime exercise facilitated by U.S.