The United Nations (UN) placed a central focus on the maritime insecurity following the appeals from the President of Benin, Thomas Boni Yayi, for assistance in combating Transnational Maritime Crimes in the GoG.
The United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCR) encouraged the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and the Gulf of Guinea Commission {GGC) to fashion a comprehensive strategy through the development of domestic laws and regulations to criminalise Piracy and Armed Robbery at Sea.
Fashioning out a comprehensive strategy include the development of:
- A Regional Framework to counter Piracy and Armed Robbery at Sea, including Information-Sharing and Operational Coordination mechanisms in the GoG.
- Strengthening of domestic laws and regulations, as appropriate, to implement relevant international agreements addressing the safely and security of navigation, in accordance with international law.
ECOWAS and ECCAS subsequently developed Maritime Strategies. ECOWAS therefore developed the ECOWAS Integrated Maritime Strategy (EIMS).
To operationalise the Zones in the ECOWAS region, Multinational Maritime Coordination Centres (MMCC) were established.
As part of efforts to operationalise the Maritime Zones, the ECOWAS Commission established MMCC Zone E. Ghana was invited as an observer to witness the active ties leading to the establishment of Zone E in Cotonou, Benin.
The ECOWAS Commission upon successfully establishing Zone E, approached Ghana to host MMCC Zone F. The Government of Ghana agreed to host the MMCC Zone F ‘and subsequently provided a portion of the Christiansborg Castle, Osu to be used as the Headquarters of the ECOWAS Multinational Maritime Coordination Centre.
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) provided funds to renovate the Centre and Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA also provided a Vehicle, Generator and Office equipment).
The German government provided the Maritime Domain Network Computer Systems, Communications Sets and a Mini-Bus. The United States (US) government, European Union (EU) through Gulf of Guinea Inter-Regional Network (GOGIN) also supported with various facilities.