In accordance with International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, the Ghana Ports and Harbors Authority’s Security Department, conducted its quarterly drill for security personnel alertness, non-complacency and incident readiness. The ISPS code gives responsibilities to governments, shipping companies, shipboard personnel, and ports to detect security threats and take preventive measures against security incidents affecting ships or port facilities used in international trade.

Last week, security personnel conducted their training, which included assessment of the understanding of security principles, compliance to work instructions and security best practices by all personnel deployed at various posts such as access control, protection of personnel and installations within the port and its environment.

Random simulations took place to test security personnel’s aptitude included prevention, detection and disposal of stowaway attempts, port-users gate clearance procedures, access control procedures and understanding of video surveillance operations.

The Port Security Manager, Col. William Kwabiah said that the drills ensure high alertness of personnel to promote robustness of the Port's security systems. “As a security institution and also a human institution, we are aiming at getting things better. So this drill and others we have lined up, are a part of the efforts that we have put in place to identify our weaknesses and to correct them. This was a very successful exercise,” he said.