The Ghana Navy has commenced the fourth edition of the International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (IMDEC), from July 8- 9 2025 at Burma Hall, Burma Camp-Accra.
The conference hosted and organized by the Ghana Navy and Great Minds Events respectively, had over 200 delegates from more than 25 countries, including Chiefs of Navies and their representatives, experienced panelists, high ranking officials, respected veterans, members of the diplomatic corps and over 40 industrial partners and exhibitors.
The conference featured presentations, discussions, and exhibitions aimed at generating innovative ideas and brainstorming on the roadmap for maintaining a secure and safe maritime environment.
Speaking on the theme, Securing Africa’s Maritime Future: Collaboration, Technology and Sustainability in a Changing Geopolitical Landscape’, the Guest of Honour and Chief of Staff to the President of the Republic, Hon Julius Debrah underscored the urgency of addressing maritime security across the African Continent. He said the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa remains one of the world’s vulnerable regions to maritime security, hence the need for various stakeholders to formulate strategies that will secure Africa’s Maritime domain.
“Technology should be equally embraced as a central tool in Ghana’s quest to sustain a safe and secure maritime domain. Ghana is committed to ECOWAS and multilateral frame work which promotes peace, security, prosperity across Ghana Maritime borders,”, he added.Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Hon Emelia Arthur underlined the importance of collaboration among the Ministry, the Navy, and other maritime stakeholders in safeguarding fisheries, protecting the livelihoods of coastal communities, and promoting sustainable development.She asserted that, IMDEC does not only celebrate technological advancement and maritime innovation, but also strengthens collaboration among stakeholders who are committed to safeguarding Africa’s maritime domain. She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working together with the Ghana Navy and all stakeholders in protecting, preserving and sustainably managing Ghana’s marine resources.
The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing in his welcome address, said IMDEC 2025, aims at deepening discussions on strengthening naval cooperations, promoting Joint Patrol initiatives and exploring strategies for sustainable partnership and technological resilience amid global uncertainty.
He further said IMDEC had become a landmark platform for fostering international cooperation, strategic dialogue and forward-looking action in the maritime defense space and security domain, encouraging participants to seize the opportunity to share insights, foster partnerships and continue to shaping the future of maritime security in Africa.
The CNS also held bilateral discussions with various stakeholders with the aim of fostering cooperation beween themselves.
