Monrovia, Liberia–The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) recently hosted a comprehensive Maritime Security Reporting Course aimed at enhancing the skills of journalists and coastguard personnel in addressing maritime security issues.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to improve reporting standards and foster collaboration between media professionals and security agencies in West Africa.
The course, which took place at the Corina Hotel over several days, brought together and benefited 27 participants from various backgrounds, including journalists from leading media houses, members of the Coastguard, and representatives from the Law Enforcement Agencies (LDEA), the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), as well as the Liberia Maritime Authority.
The training focused on critical topics such as maritime law, piracy, illegal fishing, and environmental protection at sea.
One of the key objectives of the course was to equip participants with the necessary tools to report accurately on maritime security challenges.
“Understanding the complexities of maritime security is crucial for effective reporting,” stated Captain Michael Larbi
a facilitator at the course. “Journalists play a vital role in informing the public about these issues and holding authorities accountable.”
Participants engaged in interactive sessions that included case studies, group discussions, and practical exercises designed to simulate real-world scenarios. This hands-on approach allowed attendees to apply their learning directly to their work environments.
Feedback from participants highlighted the importance of this training. “This course has opened my eyes to many aspects of maritime security that I was previously unaware of,” said Aminata S. Kromah, a journalist from a local news outlet. “I now feel more confident in my ability to cover stories related to piracy and illegal fishing.”
Similarly, the class President from the Liberia Maritime Authority, Dexter Roberts expressed his appreciation for the collaboration between journalists and security forces: “Working together is essential for tackling maritime threats effectively. This course has strengthened our relationship with media professionals.”
The KAIPTC’s Maritime Security Reporting Course represents a significant step towards improving maritime safety in West Africa.
By fostering better communication between journalists and security agencies, it aims to create a more informed public discourse around maritime issues.
“As piracy continues to pose challenges along coastal waters in West Africa, initiatives like this are crucial for building resilience against such threats. The knowledge gained through this training will undoubtedly contribute to more informed reporting and greater public awareness”. Liberia Maritime Authority, Monrovia Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre representative, Samuel S. Brown stated.
Meanwhile, the Participants disclose that as stakeholders continue to address maritime security concerns in West Africa, courses like those offered by KAIPTC serve as vital platforms for education and collaboration among key players in this field.
The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) was established by the Ghana Ministry of Defence in 1998 and officially commissioned in 2004. The primary purpose of KAIPTC is to leverage Ghana’s extensive experience in peace operations, which spans over five decades, to train military, police, and civilian personnel from various countries within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region and beyond. This initiative recognizes the evolving demands of multidimensional peace operations and aims to enhance the capacity of individuals involved in these efforts.
