Ghana Seeks French Support to Combat Piracy and Boost Maritime Security
By: Nana Kwasi Roka
Paris, France –
Ghana is seeking increased support from France to strengthen its maritime security operations amid growing piracy threats in the Gulf of Guinea.
President John Dramani Mahama made the appeal during bilateral discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace on Thursday, held on the sidelines of the 2025 Paris Peace Forum.
Mahama expressed concern over the rising cases of piracy in West African waters, which threaten not only Ghana’s coastal economy but also regional trade and energy transportation. He appealed for technical and logistical assistance from France to help protect Ghana’s territorial waters.
“Piracy in the Gulf of Guinea continues to endanger shipping and coastal livelihoods. We look to France and our global partners for coordinated efforts to secure our maritime boundaries,” President Mahama stated.
President Macron assured Ghana of France’s readiness to collaborate on maritime security initiatives, noting France’s ongoing efforts in supporting regional anti-terror and anti-piracy operations.
The Gulf of Guinea has become one of the world’s most dangerous maritime zones, accounting for nearly half of global kidnapping-for-ransom incidents in recent years. Ghana’s government has been investing in naval modernization and regional cooperation to address the growing threat.
