Embassy of Denmark celebrates World Maritime Day

The Embassy of Denmark in Accra hosted an event to commemorate World Maritime Day and commemorate the 10-year anniversary of the Danish Maritime Security Programme for the Gulf of Guinea. This year's theme for World Maritime Day is “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence,” which aligns with Denmark's decade-long commitment to converting international maritime policies into practical actions in the Gulf of Guinea.

Denmark's Ambassador to Ghana, Jakob Linulf, emphasized Denmark's dedication to ensuring safe sea lanes, freedom of navigation, and a rules-based maritime order, which are crucial for international trade, economic growth, and the livelihoods of millions. The Danish Maritime Security Programme for the Gulf of Guinea began in 2026 and is currently in its third phase (2022-2026).

This program tackles the entire maritime criminal justice chain through a holistic strategy that includes diplomacy, development assistance, and military support, collaborating closely with national, regional, and international bodies, including Ghana. Denmark's assistance is organized under three main pillars: normative work, capacity building, and equipment and infrastructure support.

Normative work entails developing strategic, legal, and operational naval security and governance frameworks in line with regional and international regulations, such as the Yaoundé Code of Conduct, UNCLOS, and the SUA Convention. Capacity building focuses on training military personnel, including the Ghana Navy's Special Boat Squadron, and civilian stakeholders in law enforcement, prosecution, and inter-agency coordination, with support from organizations like UNODC, INTERPOL, KAIPTC, and the Royal Danish Defence College.

Lastly, equipment and infrastructure support aims to enhance the operational capability of regional and national maritime security agencies. To mark the occasion, an exhibition of maritime-themed art was also held, featuring works by Ghanaian and international artists, including Emmanuel Aggrey Tieku, Fang Wang Linulf, and Patrick Tagoe-Turkson.

These pieces explored topics such as maritime pollution, ocean-borne waste, and the human dimensions of coastal life in the Gulf of Guinea, raising awareness about ocean ecology, coastal memory, and the social aspects of maritime governance.