By The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) has expressed disapproval of the altercation that occurred at the Tema port.
The altercation took place between the Authority’s security personnel and officers from the Ghana Immigration Service on Monday, May 13th.
The GPHA says it prioritises the “safety and security of all stakeholders and condemns the behaviour displayed by both parties involved.”
The clash erupted when GPHA security members stationed at the Meridian Port Services (MPS) reportedly entered the GIS office at MPS to apprehend two officers.
This occurred following a disagreement during routine vessel checks on the MSC DYMPHNA at the Tema Port.
The disagreement arose when GPHA security personnel insisted on searching the immigration officers after they had finished their inspection duties.
However, a GIS inspector objected, asserting that while searches of their bags were permissible, body searches of the officers, particularly those conducted by male security personnel, were not authorized.
https://accralive.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/GHANA-PORTS-AND-HARBOURS-AUTHORITY.pdf
This resistance to being searched, as per the GPHA, contradicts the Standard Operating Procedures laid out by the International Ships and Port Facility Security (ISPS).
In a press release, the GPHA confirmed the incent but recognised “that it could have been handled more effectively to prevent escalation.”
The Authority says it has taken full responsibility for the actions of our security personnel involved adding that he has “since been reprimanded.”
Source: JoyNews
