The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) has denounced the altercation between its security and Immigration officers at the Tema Port.
On Monday, May 13, 2024, chaos erupted between over 10 members of GPHA security, and officials of Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) resulting in a physical altercation.
In a trending video, the officers could be heard with raised voices while engaged in fisticuffs.
Responding to the situation, the management of GPHA said the situation could have been better handled.
A statement by the authority elaborated that the incident stemmed from the immigration officers’ failure to declare a package received from the vessel, which contravened the Standard Operating Procedures established by the International Ships and Port Facility Security (ISPS) code and protocols.
READ ALSO: (VIDEO) Immigration Officers Clash With GPHA Security At Tema Port
It said the insistence of its security officials on adherence to security procedures led to the altercation.
“While some media reports have sensationalized the incident, we recognize that it could have been handled more effectively to prevent escalation.GPHA prioritizes the safety and security of all stakeholders and condemns the behaviour displayed by both parties involved,” the statement said.
However, the authority added that it takes full responsibility for the clash.
“GPHA takes full responsibility for the actions of our security personnel involved, who have since been reprimanded.”
Meanwhile, the management of GPHA met with representatives from the Ghana Immigration Service and Ghana Maritime Authority to discuss the issue and have come to an amicable solution.
Below is the full statement