The Ghana Navy successfully wrapped up the fourth International Maritime Defence Exhibition & Conference (IMDEC) on July 9, 2025, in Accra. The two-day event, which began on July 8, was hosted by the Ghana Navy and organised by The Great Minds Group.
It drew over 200 delegates from more than 25 countries, alongside over 40 industry partners and exhibitors, creating a platform to tackle pressing maritime security issues across Africa, with a particular focus on the Gulf of Guinea. The conference centred on expert presentations, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and exhibitions, all geared toward generating fresh ideas, brainstorming practical solutions, and mapping out a plan to ensure a safe and secure maritime environment.
The theme, “Securing Africa’s Maritime Future: Collaboration, Technology, and Sustainability in a Changing Geopolitical Landscape,” reflected the event’s aim to address both current challenges and future needs. Attendees included high-level officials, defence leaders, maritime stakeholders, and policymakers from Africa and beyond, making it a truly collaborative effort. Lieutenant General William Agyapong, Chief of the Defence Staff, closed the event with remarks that emphasised the value of the discussions held over the two days. He pointed out that the focus on operational coordination, technological advancements, and cooperative frameworks showed clear progress in Africa’s maritime domain.
He spoke plainly about the dual nature of Africa’s waters—rich with potential yet threatened by piracy, illegal fishing, and pollution. “Maritime security is not just a national issue, but a shared regional and global responsibility,” he said, stressing the need for joint action. Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing, Chief of the Naval Staff, opened the conference by noting how African navies are turning to advanced technology to boost safety and efficiency at sea. He explained that modern surveillance systems and data-driven operations are proving crucial in tracking down and prosecuting maritime offenders.
“IMDEC gives us a chance to work together and strengthen our maritime space,” he said, framing the event as a key moment for building resilience. Mr. Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff to the President of Ghana, added his voice to the conversation, pointing out the Gulf of Guinea’s status as one of the world’s most at-risk regions for maritime security. He called IMDEC 2025 a call to action, urging the use of collaboration and new technology to protect Africa’s maritime resources. He praised the Ghana Navy for taking on the event and noted how its theme tied directly into ongoing threats like piracy, illegal fishing, drug trafficking, and transnational crime. Mrs. Emelia Arthur, the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, brought attention to the need for teamwork between her ministry, the Navy, and other maritime players.
She stressed the importance of safeguarding fisheries, supporting coastal livelihoods, and pushing sustainable development. To make this happen, she called for more patrol vessels, better prosecution tools, and stronger regional ties through the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). She made it clear that her ministry is fully committed to partnering with the Ghana Navy and others to manage Ghana’s marine resources responsibly. Commodore Roger Bagoniah, Deputy Chief Staff Officer Naval Policy and Plans and Chairman of the Conference, laid out the main takeaways from IMDEC 2025. He spoke about how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the game in surveillance, data analysis, and spotting threats quickly.
He also emphasised the need for systems that share intelligence across borders, ethical rules for AI, and technology-driven cooperation in the region. Beyond that, he noted the commercial maritime sector’s role in boosting trade and economic ties. integration, urging ongoing collaboration between governments, navies, and private companies. On the sidelines, Rear Admiral Bessing held bilateral talks with foreign envoys, aiming to deepen partnerships and cooperation. These dialogues focused on addressing both traditional threats like smuggling and piracy and newer, more complex issues like economic sabotage and terrorism, which are growing more sophisticated with technology.
The exhibition portion of IMDEC 2025 showcased cutting-edge naval and maritime tools, including satellite imagery solutions, autonomous vessels, smart ports, radars, and blockchain-based supply chain systems. Defence companies from around the world displayed equipment designed to strengthen African navies’ ability to counter transnational threats. Commodore Ben Baba Abdul, Chief Staff Officer of Naval Headquarters, explained that these technologies go beyond defence, also improving port security, cargo handling, and the broader blue economy infrastructure.
“We can only succeed in these changing times if we pair smart policies with practical strategies through events like IMDEC,” he told the media in Accra. The Ghana Navy, working with international partners, plans to use IMDEC 2025’s outcomes to shape global maritime policies and boost Africa’s role in the worldwide shipping economy. The discussions and projects sparked at the conference are expected to leave a lasting mark on maritime security, trade, and global connections.
In the end, IMDEC 2025 brought together a wide range of voices to confront Africa’s maritime challenges head-on. Through shared efforts, new technology, and a focus on sustainability, the event laid a foundation for a safer, more prosperous maritime future for the continent, all while recognising the need for ongoing partnerships in a complex world.
