It is now known what led to the altercation at the Tema Port between Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) personnel and security from the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA).
On May 13, 2024, at around 6:30 p.m., there was an altercation aboard the MV MSC DYMPHNA. The GPHA security team allegedly insisted on searching the GIS female officers after they finished their work on the ship, which is how the incident allegedly started.
Inspector Benjamin Nketia protested, allowing the examination of their bags but forbidding an officer-to-officer search. He said that under no circumstances should male staff search female police.
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However, the decision was met with opposition from GPHA security, leading to a verbal and physical altercation.
The story wasn’t accurate, according to GPHA’s Marketing and Public Affairs Manager Abena Serwaa Opoku Fosu, in response to the event. On Adom FM’s morning programme, Dwaso Nsem Thursday, Madam Fosu detailed everything in detail, saying that the search of female cops was unrelated.
Nonetheless, the fight started because the immigration agents wouldn’t allow them to search a bag they had taken from the ship. “When the ship arrives, officers from GPHA security, customs, maritime, and immigration go on board for various tasks.
The captain of the ship typically gives them a gift, although we do not recommend it. “This is because it can be used as a means of smuggling goods.” In this instance, the security personnel merely wished to examine the contents of the bag while they were there.
She explained, “We search the things people have on them, not the people themselves. Although Abena acknowledged that both groups’ behaviour were unacceptable, she said that the GPHA security should have managed the situation more skillfully.
She disclosed that just six individuals were involved in the altercation, despite rumours claiming there were twelve. They have been disciplined internally, she said, and they have received sanctions.
