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Meet the great minds pioneering a great change in the maritime industryy. Meet the Team: Meet the Team ADMINISTRACIÓN COMMODORE JAMES OSEI KONTOH Associate Director Commodore James Osei Kontoh is an executive officer of the Ghana Navy with extensive knowledge in Maritime Security, Military Diplomacy, Leadership and Training. As the immediate past Ghana’s Defense Advisor to the Federal Republic of Nigeria with oversight responsibility in other countries including Togo, Benin, Niger and Cameroon he brings to the Institute wealth of experience and international network. He holds a Master’s Degree in International Affairs and Diplomacy from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria. He also holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Information Technology from KNUST and New Jersey Institute of Science and Technology {NJIT}, USA. Additionally, he holds a Diploma in Public Administration (DPA) and Certificates in Crisis and Conflict Management(CCMC), and Ghana Security Sector Governance and Management (GSSG&MC), all from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA). Commodore Kontoh’s background in the military has seen him undertaking a number of courses including Basic Naval Officers Training Course at the Pakistan Naval Academy, where he graduated as the best student in academics; Sub-Lieutenant Technical Course at Britannia Royal Naval Academy (UK); Junior and Senior Staff Courses at the Ghana Armed Forces Command & Staff College. He also attended Senior Officers Amphibious Planning Course at Expeditionary Warfare Training Group in Coronado, California – USA; High National Defence Studies in Paris, France; Managing Defence in the Wider Security Context Course at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) and African Cooperation Decision Makers Course at Nasser Higher Military Academy, Cairo, Egypt. As an astute naval officer with about 40 years of experience, he held various appointments both ashore and afloat. He was also a member of the Directing Staff (DS) at both the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC) and Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji, Nigeria. Other prominent appointments he held include Director Naval Training, Naval Headquarters; Chief Instructor (Navy), Assistant and Deputy Commandant, GAFCSC; Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Navy Training Command (NAVTRAC) , Western Naval Command (WNC) and Eastern Naval Command (ENC). Commodore James Osei Kontoh has participated in a number of international military operations including the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) in Liberia and the United Nation Missions in Rwanda, Ethiopia and Eritrea. He enjoys listening to Gospel Music and playing Golf. LAWRENCE DOGLI Programme Manager Lawrence is responsible for the design and delivery of projects ranging from private and public advisory projects in ocean sustainability to large-scale implementation programmes, notably working on the delivery of policy recommendations on vital aspects of sustainability of the Yaoundé Architecture to the Heads of States of the Yaounde Code of Conduct (YCoC) member states, under the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) “Sustainability of the YCoC Architecture Project’’. Lawrence also supports the project administration of the Canada West Africa Growing Women and Youth Technical Capacity for a Safe, Secure and Sustainable Blue Economy (WYTEC Blue) Programme - (Scale up delivery of business development, entrepreneurship and skills, Phase 1 implemented in sub-Saharan Africa, Cape Verde and Nova Scotia, Canada). The programme forms part of Canada’s contribution to the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030). Additionally, Lawrence has worked for the Nigerian Martime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) on the Green Maritime Africa Coalition (GMAC) Regional office for Africa where he focused on the delivery of Intelligence and Knowledge Management for the accelerating of sub-Saharan Africa’s shipping industry transformation towards carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. In addition, Lawrence was responsible for delivering cross-exchange platforms for NIMASA, the Nigerian Navy, and the Inter-regional Coordination Centre (ICC) on maritime security and sustainability programmes under the Gulf of Guinea Maritime Collaboration Forum (GoG-MCF/SHADE), assisting regional navies and shipping industry with maritime security incident reporting and analysis for governments. Prior to these experiences, Lawrence has worked under the ECOP Programme through a Memorandum of Understanding with GoGMI, where he supported the design and delivery of the GoGMI-ECOP Training Programme on Ocean Sustainability and Exposure of Young Leaders to Blue Economy Careers and Business Entrepreneurship in sub-Saharan Africa. Lawrence holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Ports and Shipping from the Regional Maritime University. JULIET AFRAH OBENG Research Manager Miss Juliet Afrah Obeng has a staunch academic background within the maritime space. She obtained her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Fisheries Science at the University of Cape Coast, under the World Bank scholarship for the Africa Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience (ACECoR). Miss. Juliet Afrah Obeng is an ocean resource professional with about (9) years of progressive experience in fisheries management, ocean and fisheries governance, Aquaculture, Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) and Blue Economy. She is currently working at the Gulf of Guinea Maritime Institute (GoGMI) as a Research Manager. Prior to this appointment, she doubled as a research consultant/ assistant at the Africa Blue Economy Institute (ABEI), the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) - the Department of Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences, University of Cape Coast (DFAS-UCC), Ghana and the USAID Women Shellfishers and Food Security Project Phase I & II, Centre for coastal management, UCC. Her varied career has taken her to many institutions where she has been instrumental in research projects, advocacy campaigns, and capacity building pertaining to environmental conservation, safety, and maritime security. Being a visionary and supporter of conscientious stewardship, she remains committed to staying abreast of the latest developments in her field, ensuring her contributions align with the highest standards of excellence. HASSANATU ABDULAI Training Coordinator Hassanatu Abdulai is a flexible and resourceful person who is passionate in everything she does and a result-oriented individual. She is always proactive about seeking new opportunities to develop and grow. Hassanatu holds a degree in Bachelor of commerce (Marketing) and a master’s degree in MA Ports and Shipping Administration from the University of Cape Coast and the Regional Maritime University respectively. During her four years stay at the University of Cape Coast, she had the privilege to do her industrial attachments with the Ghana Cocoa board. In 2019, she also had the opportunity to do her National Service with the Ghana Ports and Harbors Authority where she developed interest in the maritime domain which later influenced her decision to have her master’s program in Ports and Shipping Administration. Hassanatu is currently serving as the training coordinator at the Gulf of Guinea Maritime Institute. ENOCH DZANE NIKOI Project Coordinator Enoch Dzane Nikoi is a very passionate creative designer, digital marketer, and graphic designer with an eye for style, color, and texture. He is a young graduate from the University of Ghana Business School, majoring in Marketing. He spent some time assisting some business startups like RecycleIT Ghana, Hair Communique, and also a co-founder of The Creative Potter, a graphic design company. He has worked with Heritage Discovery Learning Center and Cares for the Future of the Girl Child to bring smiles to the face of orphans at the Osu Children’s home in Accra, Ghana, and girls in the Amanten community, Bono East region, Ghana respectively. He is a sociable person and seeks to start an NGO shortly to help the community raise a better generation to come. He pioneered with his team, the social media presence of the Ghana Navy on Instagram during the time he spent serving as a National Service Personnel. Enoch currently serves as the Graphic Design and Marketing Coordinator at the Gulf of Guinea Maritime Institute. RHODALYN OWUSU Asst. Finance and Administration Officer Rhodalyn, fondly referred to as Ewurama by her supervisors and peers, exemplifies dedication and a profound passion for accounting and finance. She obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from the University of Professional Studies, Accra, Ghana, where she meticulously honed her skills and knowledge in Accounting and Administration. Presently, as a Level 2 student at the Institute of Chartered Accountants Ghana (ICAG), Rhodalyn remains steadfast in her pursuit of excellence in both her studies and career advancement within the field of accounting. Concurrently, she fulfills the role of Assistant Finance and Administrative Officer at the Gulf of Guinea Maritime Institute. Backed by a solid academic background and an unwavering commitment to success, Rhodalyn harbors aspirations of becoming a trusted professional in the accounting domain, poised to make significant contributions to Ghana's financial landscape and beyond. DISTINGUISHED FELLOWS AVM FRANK HANSON (RTD) Ghana Air Force AVM Frank Hanson plays the role of the Chairman to the Advisory Board at the Gulf of Guinea Maritime Institute. Prior to his appointment, he was the Chief of Air Staff of the Ghana Air Force from January 2019 to January 2023. He holds an MSc in Strategic Studies with Grand Strategy Concentration and as an adent Peacekeeper, he served with the United Nations and African Union as a strategic Military and Aviation planner. He is an expert in national and international security. An astute and highly experienced military instructor pilot. AVM Hanson has works with leading aircraft manufacturers to develop the "static aircraft carrier concept"; for Tactical Air support for Maritime Operations (TASMO) as well as offshore Special Forces Operations. His tenure at the helm of affairs at the Ghana Air Force saw a holistic interoperability between the Ghana Navy and the Ghana Air Force. Additionally, he has participated in several AU and UN missions across the continent and was part of the consultative team that worked on Ghana's National Integrated Maritime Strategy. He is an alumni of the Harvard University, the US Air University, the US Air War College, Command and Staff College, Ghana, Command Staff College, Nigeria and brings over 30 years of experience in deep understanding of diplomacy, global geopolitical matters, Aviation, National Security and Strategic Leadership to the Institute. REAR ADMIRAL SOLOMON ONYILO AGADA (RTD) Nigerian Navy Rear Admiral Solomon Agada was commissioned into the Nigerian Navy as Sub-Lieutenant in 1991. He has attended several courses in the course of his career which include the Officer Long Course where he specialized in Navigation and Direction, the Junior and Senior Staff Courses as well as Strategic Defence Studies course among others. Rear Admiral Solomon also obtained Certificates of Training from the International Institute of Humanitarian Law, Sanremo-Italy in international Humanitarian Law, Rules of Engagement, Naval Operations and Law as well as Advanced Course in International Humanitarian Law. Furthermore, he holds Certificate of Training in United Nations Peace Support Operations (COTIPSO) from the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, USA. His academic qualifications include, Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) from the Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna Nigeria, Master in International Affairs and Diplomacy (MAID) from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria and Masters of Philosophy in Strategy and Development Studies from Bangladesh University of Professionals, Dhaka, Bangladesh. In the course of his career, Rear Admiral Solomon have held several appointments afloat and ashore some of which are, Commanding Officer Nigerian Navy Ship AYAM, Directing Staff at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji-Nigeria, Exchange Directing Staff at the South Africa National War College, Pretoria-South Africa and Directing Staff at the prestigious National Defence College, Abuja-Nigeria. Additionally, he was also the Chief Staff Officer Central Naval Command, Nigerian Navy and the pioneer Co-Chair of the Gulf of Guinea Maritime Collaboration Forum Shared Awareness and De-Confliction (GOG-SHADE) from April 2021 until 13 May 2022. He is currently the Chief of Training and Operations, Naval Headquarters, Nigerian Navy. Rear Admiral Agada is happily married to Barrister Mary Agada and the union is blessed with 3 children. He enjoys reading, listening to gospel music, walking and playing squash at his leisure. Hon. Kathleen Quartey Ayensu, Esq. Special Advisor to the President of Ghana Hon. Kathleen Quartey Ayensu is a multi-jurisdictional lawyer of the Bars of England and Wales, Ghana, and Washington DC. Since 2017, she has been a Member of the African Union Commission on International Law. The Commissioner is also the Special Rapporteur on Piracy and Maritime Security, similar to the Digest of African States’ Practice in International Law, and for the COVID-19 pandemic.Past professional positions include Attorney General of the British Virgin Islands, Chief State Attorney of Ghana, and Attorney in leading Washington DC law firms. In 2021 she delivered the lectures on Piracy and Maritime Security in the Gulf of Guinea to postgraduates at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Centre, Ghana. Hon. Kathleen was a Special Advisor to the President of Ghana and the Council of State as a Member/Counsel regarding the aluminum and energy industry in Ghana. She served as the first Member/Counsel to the Public Procurement Board of Ghana. In the BVI, she was commended by Cabinet for the Territory’s rating at the CFATF evaluation and subsequently for bringing to fruition a commercial division of the regional court. In the USA, she acted as a legal advisor for the construction of the new Ghana Chancery building in Washington, DC, and worked on international specialized litigation. Hon. Ayensu has been a guest speaker and delegate at numerous international platforms. Academic qualifications: Master of Comparative Law, The George Washington University (1987); Utter Barrister, Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn (1976); Master of Laws, London University (1974); Bachelor of Laws (Honours), University of Ghana (1973); Certificate in Management of the Exclusive Economic Zone, International Ocean Institute, Malta (1980). Social: Member, Ghana Bar Association and District of Columbia Bar; past Member/Counsel, Board of Governors, Aburi Girls’ Senior High School; past Member/Counsel of the Bamboo and Rattan Network of Ghana. VOLUNTEERS - 2024 Cohort VOLUNTEERS - 2022 cohort ALBERTA SAGOE Director ejecutivo MIRIAM OSEI AGYEMAN Director de Eventos y Comunicaciones MIRIAM OSEI AGYEMAN Director de Eventos y Comunicaciones MIRIAM OSEI AGYEMAN Director de Eventos y Comunicaciones MIRIAM OSEI AGYEMAN Director de Eventos y Comunicaciones

GoGMI is a non-profit organization incorporated in Ghana. It constitutes a ‘think-tank’ for maritime strategic thinkers, practitioners and allies to interact, share ideas and research into strategic maritime affairs affecting the Gulf of Guinea Region. ACERCA DE GoGMI La región del Golfo de Guinea (GoG) se define como el área marítima encerrada entre los estados costeros desde Costa de Marfil hasta Angola. Los países del Golfo incluyen Costa de Marfil, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Camerún, Guinea Ecuatorial, Congo, República Democrática del Congo, Gabón y Angola. El área abunda en petróleo crudo y recursos pesqueros y se está volviendo cada vez más atractiva para las principales potencias del mundo. Se estima que la Región igualaría o incluso superaría en el tiempo al Golfo Pérsico en producción de crudo. También es una región muy inestable. La competencia entre las principales potencias por el control de los recursos de la Región podría conducir a guerras por poderes al estilo de la Guerra Fría y más inseguridad en la Región. La reciente y feroz competencia entre Exxon Mobil de los EE. UU. Y China National Offshore Oil Company (CNOOC) a través de la Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) para comprar las acciones de Cosmos Energy en el Jubilee Oil Field de Ghana da fe de la probabilidad de estos conflictos de poder. Existe la necesidad de que los gobiernos de la región de GoG tengan la información necesaria basada en análisis de seguridad marítima estratégica, además de cualquier dinámica económica y política para tomar decisiones acertadas en tales circunstancias. Es importante que dicha información provenga de fuentes autóctonas y no externas. Actualmente no hay ningún instituto indígena activo dedicado a la investigación, promoción y consultoría marítimas estratégicas en el Gobierno de Guatemala. La continua dependencia de la información y las evaluaciones de organismos fuera de la región no augura nada bueno para los intereses de los países de la Región. Esta información y evaluaciones se basan principalmente en los intereses de los países y agencias de origen. El Instituto Marítimo del Golfo de Guinea (GoGMI) está diseñado para llenar el vacío. Es una organización de investigación sin fines de lucro incorporada en Ghana. Constituye un 'think-tank' para que los pensadores, profesionales y aliados estratégicos marítimos interactúen, compartan ideas e investiguen sobre asuntos marítimos estratégicos que afectan a la región del Golfo de Guinea (GoG). La actividad principal del Instituto es la investigación, la consultoría y la promoción marítimas estratégicas en las áreas de seguridad, protección y medio ambiente en el espacio marítimo de Ghana y el Golfo de Guinea en general. El objetivo principal del GoGMI es producir una investigación reconocida y brindar soluciones desde una perspectiva indígena, abordando así el desequilibrio actual en los estudios marítimos de la Región, donde la opinión y los intereses locales están infrarrepresentados. About: About Us VISIÓN Nuestra visión es convertirnos en el instituto líder de investigación y defensa en asuntos marítimos estratégicos en la región de GoG. About: Who We Are ESTADO DE LA MISIÓN La misión del GoGMI es proporcionar una base intelectual a gobiernos, organizaciones, entidades corporativas e individuos cuyas actividades inciden en el dominio marítimo de la Región GoG para garantizar un uso sostenible del mar. Lo haremos mediante la investigación y la promoción en cuestiones marítimas estratégicas que afectan a la Región con el fin de influir en las políticas y actividades que afectan el entorno marítimo de la Región. Al llevar a cabo nuestro negocio, defenderemos los valores de independencia, precisión y equidad. About: Who We Are About: Who We Are MODELO DE NEGOCIO La fuerza impulsora detrás de GoGMI es el logro de la excelencia en la investigación marítima estratégica, la educación, los medios de comunicación y los servicios de consultoría. GoGMI es una organización interdisciplinaria pionera que tiene como objetivo proporcionar conocimiento para todos, utilizando una variedad de medios para superar las barreras tradicionales. Como organización de investigación sin fines de lucro, el modelo comercial de GoGMI es único en el sentido de que se basa en su comunidad virtual para generar los ingresos necesarios para producir soluciones de investigación y educación. El modelo es un ciclo que se perpetúa a sí mismo y que asegura la independencia del Instituto y su capacidad para responder a las necesidades de la Región del Gobierno de Guatemala. Los colaboradores dentro del Instituto y su red de expertos crean el contenido que luego se difunde a través de una variedad de canales que incluyen publicaciones periódicas, libros, seminarios, conferencias e Internet y se ponen a disposición de la comunidad de personas interesadas en el estudio del dominio marítimo. de la región.

Bienvenido al Instituto Marítimo del Golfo de Guinea - GoGMI Towards the Index Every Monday, the Gulf of Guinea Maritime Institute publishes its maritime-targeted newsletter, the Gulf Review. By providing highlights on maritime issues and occurrences over each past week, the Gulf Review serves as a data hub, from which extensive analysis can be conducted. The Gulf of Guinea Maritime Governance Index is a subscription-based report that integrates data gathered from the Gulf Review to identify emerging trends and dynamics, blending industry and expert insights with opportunity assessments. A Rationale for the Index The Gulf of Guinea Maritime Governance Index will provide indigenous information through a regional lens on maritime safety, security and blue economy issues in the Gulf of Guinea region. This is a crucial preliminary step to finding sustainable solutions to close Africa’s ocean development gap, support a clean ocean transition and enhance maritime security across the continent. The goal of this initiative is to enhance a thorough understanding of the current state of development, opportunities, and challenges in the areas of maritime safety and security, marine environment, and Blue Economy development in the Gulf of Guinea Region. The data series will delve into maritime data and provide insightful perspectives to better understand the maritime landscape in the region. By offering unique and comprehensive power data and market intelligence, the Index will be used to inform the development of policies, strategies, and programs to support the sustainable development of the region's maritime sector. Components of the Index Importance Why is this so important? Evolution What is the overall development of the issue? Potential What are the existing opportunities and challenges? Preparedness How prepared are key stakeholders to exploit the opportunities and address the challenges? In order to provide an analysis for each issue, GoGMI considers all five components of the index: importance, evolution, potential and preparedness. Ultimately, the analysis within the index aims to interpret a broad range of maritime incidents and activities on the basis of these tenets and provide valuable insights for the various stakeholders in the GoG region. First Quarter Index 2023 - 6 June 2023 The Gulf of Guinea Maritime Governance Index integrates maritime issues and development specific to the Gulf of Guinea region. Its primary objective is to identify emerging trends and dynamics by combining industry and expert insights with assessment opportunities. Read More