Research Article
Capacity BuildingCoast Guard Capacity and Interagency Coordination in Gulf of Guinea Maritime Security
Cdr. Yaw Antwi-Danso
Ghana Navy, Coast Guard Command
Sub-Lt. Efua Mensah
Ghana Navy, Coast Guard Command
Abstract
Drawing on operational experience within Ghana's coast guard command structures, this article examines the practical obstacles to interagency coordination between navies, fisheries authorities, customs, and port authorities, and proposes a set of coordination practices adaptable to partner countries in the region.
Cite This Article
Antwi-Danso, Y., & Mensah, E. (2025). Coast Guard Capacity and Interagency Coordination in Gulf of Guinea Maritime Security. Gulf Spectrum Journal, 1(1).
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Introduction
Maritime security incidents in the Gulf of Guinea rarely fall neatly under a single agency's mandate. Effective response depends on coordination among navies, coast guards, fisheries enforcement, customs, and port authorities — agencies that often operate on different reporting lines, equipment standards, and information systems.
Coordination Gaps in Practice
Drawing on case reviews of incident response in Ghanaian waters, this section identifies recurring points of friction: inconsistent vessel-tracking data formats, unclear first-responder protocols, and gaps in real-time communication between agencies during live incidents.
Toward a Shared Coordination Framework
We propose a lightweight, shared incident-coordination protocol built on existing regional information-sharing centres, requiring no new hardware investment and adaptable to coast guard structures across partner states.
Conclusion
Interagency coordination, not additional platforms alone, is the binding constraint on effective coast guard response in much of the Gulf of Guinea. Low-cost coordination protocols, adopted consistently, can meaningfully close this gap.
References
- Ghana Maritime Authority. (2022). National Maritime Security Strategy.
- International Maritime Organization. (2021). Guidelines on Interagency Cooperation in Maritime Security.
About the Authors
Ghana Navy, Coast Guard Command
Cdr. Antwi-Danso leads coast guard coordination initiatives and has represented Ghana in regional maritime security exercises.
Ghana Navy, Coast Guard Command
Sub-Lt. Mensah works on interagency coordination between naval and civilian maritime authorities.