Tema and Takoradi Ports beef-up security, recruit 264 personnel 

…as GPHA partners 1st Battalion of Infantry to train security staff

Worldwide, maritime trade and cargoes are increasingly being targetted by organised criminal conspiracies and individuals involved in smuggling, cargo-theft and terrorism.

This has made the safety and security of port property and workers even more crucial. Which is why the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority invests yearly in its security, including an able workforce.

This year, about 264 security personnel were recruited by the Authority at Tema and Takoradi Ports.

Out of 264, 149 personnel recruited by the Port Authority in Tema have successfully passed out after 6 weeks of intense and rigorous training at the 1st Battalion of Infantry at Michel Camp. This is the first time GPHA has entered a partnership with this particular military camp for training security staff.

The new recruits underwent endurance and strength training, swimming courses, access control and searches, checkpoint duties and report-writing among others, in a bid to transform them into disciplined, physically fit, mentally alert and competent members of the ports’ Security Department.

During the passing-out ceremony, Director-Port Tema, Mrs. Sandra Opoku, handed awards to outstanding performers among the new recruits.

“After today’s graduation ceremony, you’ll be assigned to serve the port in different roles. You must serve with honour, dignity, courage and integrity, and show allegiance to what is right and conform with the Authorities code of conduct. If you live by this commitment, you will have a great future in GPHA,” Mrs. Opoku said to them.

She indicated that so far as maritime threats exist, security will remain an essential part of port operations.  

Takoradi Port

In Takoradi, 115 Security Personnel recruited by the Port Authority have graduated after six weeks of intense training at the Western Naval Command.

The recruits undertook voice procedure, drills, port security, map-reading, swimming, unarmed combat, leadership, first-aid, firefighting, tactics, rules of engagement, guard duties, weapons training, intelligence gathering and physical fitness.

This makes it the third batch of port security personnel to be trained at the Naval Base in Sekondi.

During the passing-out ceremony, Director-Port Takoradi, Peter Amoo-Bediako, admonished recruits to replicate performances at the camp during their discharge of duties at the port.

“My dear recruits, the purpose and relevance of the training that you have undergone here cannot be overemphasised. We brought you here to be trained, to give you a taste of the standard military ways of comporting and carrying yourself well, with confidence and integrity in the performance of your roles at the port.”

Flag Officer Commanding at Western Naval Command, Commodore Emmanuel Ayensu Kwafo, expressed his outfit’s pleasure to help train personnel toward securing the premier ports of Ghana.

“The collaboration evidences the maritime environment’s nature, which requires inter-agency cooperation. The environment is such that many state agencies have various competencies which we must all put together in the nation’s interests; therefore, collaboration such as this is the only way out.”

Four recruits won awards for distinguishing themselves in various aspects of the training.

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