Ghana is hosting a major regional conference aimed at strengthening maritime security and advancing women's leadership in the Gulf of Guinea. The Second Women in Maritime of West and Central Africa (WIMOWCA) Regional Conference on Women, Peace and Security in the Gulf of Guinea is being held in Accra, with participants from countries across the region. The conference is organized by WIMOWCA in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and supported by the Government of Denmark.
The conference, themed "Anchoring the Future of Maritime Security in the Gulf of Guinea through Women's Leadership and Regional Action," seeks to enhance regional maritime security and promote gender inclusion in the sector. Addressing the opening session, Mr. Jacob Linulf, Ambassador of Denmark to Ghana, emphasized the need for stronger regional cooperation and greater participation of women in maritime governance. He noted that the Gulf of Guinea is critical to international trade and economic development, making collective action essential in addressing growing maritime security threats.
Mr. Linulf commended WIMOWCA and UNODC for creating a platform that promotes women's leadership in the maritime sector. He said Denmark is proud to support initiatives that advance peace, security, and gender equality, stressing that empowering women in maritime leadership is both a development and security imperative. The Ambassador urged participants to translate their deliberations into concrete actions that would positively impact coastal communities across the region.
Ms. Sylvia Asana Owu, the Regional President of WIMOWCA, said the gathering seeks to strengthen women's representation in maritime institutions and promote gender-responsive approaches to maritime governance and security. She observed that maritime crimes, including piracy, trafficking, and illegal fishing, transcend national boundaries and therefore require stronger collaboration among governments, security agencies, and development partners.
Ms. Owu said sustainable maritime security cannot be achieved without increasing women's participation in leadership and decision-making roles. On behalf of Ms. Dorcas Affo-Toffey, the Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr. Eric Tetteh-Addison, Director of Policy Planning at the Ministry of Transport, reaffirmed Ghana's commitment to regional efforts aimed at improving safety and security in the Gulf of Guinea. He described the Gulf of Guinea as one of Africa's most valuable maritime resources, supporting trade, fisheries, and economic growth.
Mr. Tetteh-Addison noted that although women play vital roles in fisheries, coastal trade, and maritime communities, they remain underrepresented in leadership positions within maritime security agencies. The conference is expected to validate a regional action plan, strengthen institutional partnerships, and launch a regional maritime mentorship initiative for women professionals. Delegates will also explore strategies to promote inclusive workplaces and enhance women's participation in shipping, ports, fisheries, and maritime law enforcement.
The conference concludes with the adoption of key recommendations and commitments aimed at building a safer, more secure, and inclusive maritime sector across West and Central Africa. The two-day session will produce a comprehensive plan to address maritime security challenges and promote women's leadership in the region.
Key points
- The conference aims to strengthen women's representation in maritime institutions and promote gender-responsive approaches to maritime governance and security.
- The Gulf of Guinea is critical to international trade and economic development, making collective action essential in addressing growing maritime security threats.
- Empowering women in maritime leadership is both a development and security imperative.
