Embassy of Denmark celebrates World Maritime Day

The Embassy of Denmark in Accra recently hosted an event to celebrate World Maritime Day and commemorate the 10-year anniversary of the Danish Maritime Security Programme for the Gulf of Guinea. The gathering gathered representatives from various sectors, including maritime security, commerce, and regulation, alongside an impressive display of maritime art.

This year's theme for World Maritime Day is "From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence," reflecting Denmark's commitment to turning international maritime policies into practical actions in the Gulf of Guinea. Denmark's Ambassador to Ghana, Jakob Linulf, emphasized Denmark's dedication to maritime safety, freedom of navigation, and a rules-based maritime order.

For the past decade, Denmark has collaborated closely with Ghana to maintain secure and open sea lanes in the Gulf of Guinea, crucial for international trade, economic development, and livelihoods. In 2026, Denmark initiated the Danish Maritime Security Programme for the Gulf of Guinea, now in its third phase (2022-2026), which tackles the entire maritime criminal justice system by combining diplomacy, development assistance, and military support in partnership with national, regional, and international actors, including Ghana.

The program focuses on three key areas: normative work, capacity building, and equipment and infrastructure support. Under normative work, Denmark supports the creation of strategic, legal, and operational frameworks for maritime security and governance, following regional and international guidelines such as the Yaoundé Code of Conduct, UNCLOS, and the SUA Convention.

Capacity building involves training military personnel, including the Ghana Navy's Special Boat Squadron, and civilian actors in law enforcement, prosecution, and inter-agency coordination through partners like UNODC, INTERPOL, KAIPTC, and the Royal Danish Defence College. Lastly, equipment and infrastructure support enhance the operational capability of regional and national maritime security institutions.

A maritime-themed art exhibition featuring works by Ghanaian and international artists, such as Emmanuel Aggrey Tieku, Fang Wang Linulf, and Patrick Tagoe-Turkson, highlighted issues like maritime pollution, ocean-borne waste, and the coastal experiences of the Gulf of Guinea, raising awareness about ocean ecology, coastal memory, and the human aspects of maritime governance.