The Ocean Governance, Research and Development Project (OGP) at the University of Ghana School of Law (UGSoL), in collaboration with the Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences, convened a roundtable discussion on maritime piracy on 23rd October 2025 in Accra. The discussion brought together legal experts, security practitioners, and academics to critically examine the alignment of Ghana’s definition of maritime piracy with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The event was opened by moderator Mr. Samuel Alesu Dordzi, who set the stage for a day of rigorous discussion. In his opening remarks, he underscored that the gathering, was designed to bridge the gap between legal theory and practical enforcement in Ghana's maritime domain.

Dr. Godwin Djokoto, Project Coordinator for OGP, outlined the specific objectives of the roundtable. These included clearly demonstrating the misalignment between Ghanaian law and UNCLOS, establishing the urgent need for alignment, and exploring the most effective legislative pathways to achieve it, whether through a new bill or an amendment to existing law.

The discussion was formally inaugurated by the Chairman of the event, Vice Admiral Issah Yakubu (Rtd.), former Chief of the Naval Staff, Ghana Navy. Drawing from his extensive experience, Vice Admiral Issah Yakubu highlighted the practical realities of maritime security. He pointed out a critical disconnect while Ghana champions international resolutions against piracy, its domestic legal framework remains outdated.

"The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea-1982, articulating Article 101, gives an internationally accepted definition of piracy," he stated. "The real issue, however, lies here at home. Ghana has not yet enacted specific legislation criminalising piracy, as defined under the UNCLOS 1982."

He elaborated that Ghana’s current legal instrument, the Criminal Offences Act of 1960 (Act 29), defines piracy in a restricted manner, focusing on actions by the crew or passengers against their own vessel. This contrasts sharply with UNCLOS, which defines piracy as an act committed by the crew or passengers of one private ship against another ship on the high seas for private ends. This misalignment, he noted, creates significant uncertainty for prosecutors and hampers effective regional cooperation.

The Dean of the University of Ghana School of Law, Prof. Peter A. Atupare, in his welcome address, reinforced the timeliness of the conversation. He emphasised that the roundtable was not merely an academic exercise but a crucial step towards ensuring Ghana's laws are responsive to modern challenges.

"The definition of piracy in this framework carries profound implications for security, intimidation, and the safeguarding of national and regional maritime interests," Prof. Atupare said. "The law is not static. It must move through the tides of time, technology, and transnational cooperation."

Prof. Josephine Dzahene- Quarshie, who represented the Provost of the University of Ghana’s College of Humanities, spoke about the interdisciplinary nature of maritime security. She commended the partnership between the School of Law and the Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences, noting that such collaborations are essential for developing holistic and effective policy outcomes.

Dr. Djokoto also prompted experts to consider whether the UNCLOS definition itself required re-examination in light of modern realities. He posed critical questions for discussion. Should the definition cover the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)? How does the "two-vessel" requirement apply in an era of unmanned ships? Does the distinction of "private ends" versus political motives still fit for purpose?

A key presentation by Ms. Victoria Asiedua, Principal State Attorney at the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Justice provided a thorough analysis of the legislative journey. She presented a detailed historical context of the old Maritime and Related Offences Bill, which had been in development for many years but had not been passed by Parliament. She explained how a series of stakeholder workshops and mock trials had exposed the severe limitations of the existing legal framework and reinforced the urgency for a new law.

The presentation sparked an engaging plenary session where participants, including a representative from the Ghana Armed Forces, raised concerns. One question from a non-legal professional captured the essence of the problem. Given that the common understanding of a pirate is someone who attacks another ship, how had Ghana functioned for so long with a definition that did not capture this?

The discussion concluded with a strong consensus on the need for urgent legal reform. Participants advocated for the swift passage of a comprehensive bill to address the identified gaps. There was also a call for the establishment of a dedicated working group to shepherd the legislative process, ensuring that the new law would be precise, enforceable, and capable of positioning Ghana as a leader in West African maritime security.

The event served as a platform for open and insightful discussions, setting a clear agenda for actionable steps to strengthen Ghana's legal framework against the threat of maritime piracy.