The vigilance of Tema Port security personnel has led to the arrest of a 28-year-old Ghanaian who attempted to stowaway to the United States of America.
In an attempt to travel illegally, the culprit, Selassie Jordan, who hails from Effiekuma, a suburb of Takoradi in the Western Region, attempted boarding a Cameroonian vessel, MV Yaris.
It is reported that Jordan thought the vessel was sailing to the US where he could find greener pastures.
Narrating the incident, the port security manager Lieutenant Connell Joseph Punamane, said the victim was seen loitering around in the port and was cautioned, however, after some hours he was seen climbing into a Vessel going to Cameroon. The port security manager revealed that Jordan Selassie who is now in the custody of the Port Security will be handed over to the police.
“When he joined the vessel he was apprehended and we will process him and hand him over to the police and immigration so that they send him to court,” averred.
He warned that, due to previous incidents, Tema Port has improved upon its security systems and will continue to partner with other security agencies to help fight against stowaway in the Port.
“We are warning those who intend to stowaway that, Tema port is a no go area for stowaways. We are warning because no matter what you do, we will get you. We have improved our systems, our CCTV cameras are working and we are even working hard to partner with other security people who can help us do thorough rummaging in the vessels,” he cautioned.
He further advised individuals with the vision to travel outside the country to stick to the legal means of traveling in order not to get their lives endangered.
The latest arrest brings to 18 the number of stowaways arrested at the Tema Port since the beginning of the year.