Tag: Ghana Navy

  • Ghana Navy probes suspected pirate attack, launches search for missing crew members

    Ghana Navy probes suspected pirate attack, launches search for missing crew members

    The Ghana Navy has launched an investigation into a suspected pirate attack on the Ghanaian-registered fishing vessel, Mengxin 1, which took place on the evening of Thursday, March 27, 2025.

    Initial reports indicate that around 5:53 PM, seven armed individuals stormed the vessel, firing warning shots that forced several crew members to seek refuge in a secure area.

    The attackers remained on board for approximately three hours, during which they assembled the crew on deck and seized their mobile phones.

    After the attack, the crew realized that the Captain, Chief Mate, and Chief Engineer—all Chinese nationals—were missing, raising suspicions that they had been kidnapped.

    Lacking mobile network coverage at sea, the crew had to navigate closer to shore before they could report the incident.

    The vessel has since safely berthed at the Tema Fishing Harbour, where Marine Police and Naval Intelligence officers have begun initial investigations.

    “We are treating this as a serious maritime security threat and are working closely with intelligence agencies to locate and rescue the missing crew,” said a Ghana Navy spokesperson.

    The Ghana Armed Forces have informed neighboring countries about the attack through the ECOWAS Multinational Maritime Coordination Centre (MMCC) Zone F in Accra, in line with the Yaoundé Architecture for maritime security.

    This initiative seeks to strengthen regional collaboration in locating and apprehending the suspected kidnappers.

    “Cross-border collaboration is essential in such cases, and we are counting on our partners to assist in finding the perpetrators,” the spokesperson added.

    Efforts are currently underway to locate and rescue the kidnapped crew members, with intelligence agencies intensifying their search.

    Authorities have assured the public of their commitment to combating maritime piracy and ensuring the safety of vessels operating in Ghanaian waters.

  • Danish govt hands over state-of-the-art Maritime Simulation Centre to Ghana Navy

    Danish govt hands over state-of-the-art Maritime Simulation Centre to Ghana Navy

    The Ghana Navy, in collaboration with the Danish Government, has inaugurated a cutting-edge Maritime Simulation Centre at the Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC) in Nutekpor.

    The ceremony, held on Monday, January 27, revealed the shared commitment to strengthening maritime security and operational capacity in the Gulf of Guinea.

    The facility funded by the Danish government, which is named the Lill-May Didriksen Simulation Centre in honor of the first female officer in the Royal Danish Navy, boasts advanced technological features, including a 270-degree Full Mission Bridge Simulator, three 120-degree Part-Task Simulators, two Instructor Stations, briefing and server rooms, as well as offices for instructors.

    Speaking at the event, Ms. Marietta Brew-Oppong, Legal Counsel to the President of Ghana and Guest of Honour, lauded Denmark’s longstanding support for Ghana’s maritime sector. She acknowledged Denmark’s instrumental role in combating piracy and maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea, which she described as a vital global trade corridor.

    “Thanks to international efforts and partnerships like this, we have seen significant improvements in combating piracy and maritime crimes,” she remarked. Ms. Brew-Oppong expressed confidence that the facility would enhance maritime training and bolster the Ghana Navy’s capabilities.

    Ms. Marietta Brew-Oppong, Legal Counsel to the President of Ghana

    The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Issah Adam Yakubu, underscored the transformative potential of the centre, describing it as a “game-changer” for the Navy’s training programmes. He noted that the advanced simulation technology would allow personnel to master complex navigation and operational scenarios in a controlled environment, thereby improving readiness and safety.

    “This project represents a leap forward in Ghana’s maritime domain,” Vice Admiral Yakubu stated, while also acknowledging Denmark’s steadfast support over the years.

    He highlighted other Danish-backed initiatives, including the UNODC-supported “Ship-in-a-Box” facility for regional maritime training and the construction of a world-class swimming pool with diving capabilities for the Navy.

    Adding his voice, the Deputy Chief of Navy of the Royal Danish Navy, Commodore BO Overgaard, reaffirmed Denmark’s commitment to addressing security challenges in the Gulf of Guinea. He emphasized the importance of partnerships in tackling issues such as piracy, illegal fishing, and armed robbery, which threaten trade and regional stability.

    “The Bridge Simulator is an advanced piece of technology that reflects the trust and collaboration between our nations,” Commodore Overgaard stated, describing the project as a model for sustainable development that enhances safety and prosperity in Ghana and the region.

    The facility also allows for effective training without taking operational ships out of service, a feature Commodore Overgaard described as key to improving efficiency and readiness.

    Commodore Solomon Asiedu-Larbi, Flag Officer Commanding NAVTRAC, highlighted the Simulation Centre’s role in positioning NAVTRAC as a center of excellence for maritime training in Ghana and beyond. He credited years of meticulous planning and collaboration for bringing the project to fruition.

    “This venture solidifies NAVTRAC’s reputation as a leader in maritime training, and we are deeply grateful to Denmark for their invaluable contribution and to the CNS for his visionary leadership,” he added.

    The Maritime Simulation Centre is expected to significantly enhance Ghana’s maritime security efforts, ensuring operational readiness and contributing to the broader goal of securing the Gulf of Guinea’s critical trade routes.

  • US Embassy, Ghana Navy hand over 3-unit classroom block to basic school in Sogakope

    US Embassy, Ghana Navy hand over 3-unit classroom block to basic school in Sogakope

    The United States Embassy, in collaboration with the Ghana Navy, has officially handed over a 3-unit classroom block to the Galotse District Assembly Basic School in Sogakope.

    The event, which took place on Wednesday, January 22, marks a significant step in strengthening the partnership between Ghana and the United States, focusing on community development.

    This project, the second of its kind in the Sogakope District, was completed by the US Navy Seabees, a division of the US Navy Construction Battalion, further emphasizing their ongoing commitment to supporting local development initiatives.

    The Deputy Head of Mission at the United States Embassy in Ghana, Mr. Rolf Olson, visited the Flag Officer Commanding the Naval Training Command, Commodore Solomon Asiedu-Larbi, ahead of the handover. During their meeting, Commodore Asiedu-Larbi expressed his appreciation for the long-standing relationship between the Ghana Navy and the US Navy Seabees, which began in the late 1990s. He noted the successful collaboration on previous projects, including the construction of sickbays at the Western and Eastern Naval Commands.

    Mr. Olson reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to assisting community development initiatives in Ghana, highlighting the importance of such collaborations in fostering long-term growth.

    Mrs. Celestine Kosi Agodo, the District Director of Education, expressed her gratitude for the joint effort, praising the work of the US Navy, the Ghana Navy, traditional leaders, and the teaching staff. She emphasized the importance of cooperation in providing quality education for the students.

  • Tema Youth attack Ghana Navy personnel, installations; 2 civilians killed

    Tema Youth attack Ghana Navy personnel, installations; 2 civilians killed

    A vehicle belonging to the Eastern Naval Command of the Ghana Navy was attacked by a crowd participating in a festival in Tema Newtown around 7:53 pm on Friday, April 12, 2024, resulting in damage to the vehicle.

    “Three of the Naval personnel onboard the vehicle also sustained severe injuries and were sent to the Tema Naval Base Medical Centre for treatment. In the course of the confrontation, three suspects were arrested by the naval personnel.

    “They were subsequently handed over to the Tema Newtown District Police for further investigations,”  a press release signed by E. Aggrey-Quarshie on Saturday, April 13, read.

    Col Aggrey reported that the mob, believed to be among the festival participants, later assaulted the Tema Naval Base with stones and other objects in an attempt to free their colleagues.

    At a stage, the security of the Base was threatened, and to protect the sensitive installations in the Base, warning shots were fired to repel the attack.

    He later reported that the Police confirmed that two civilians were brought dead to the Tema General Hospital. The cause of death is still under investigation.

    According to E. Aggrey-Quarshie, the Ghana Police Service in collaboration with the Ghana Armed Forces have commenced investigations into the incident of attack by some Tema youths.

    “Findings of the investigations will be made available in due course. The GAF commiserates with the bereaved families and urges calm to be maintained by all parties while the incident is being investigated.”

    Meanwhile, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has issued a stern warning to the youth of Tema, stating that any future attacks on installations or personnel will be met with a suitable response.

  • 81 sacks of marijuana confiscated by Ghana Navy, NACOC

    81 sacks of marijuana confiscated by Ghana Navy, NACOC

    The Ghana Navy, in collaboration with the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) and the Ghana Police, has successfully apprehended six individuals on suspicion of narcotics trafficking.

    The joint operation, led by the Ada Foah Detachment of the Ghana Navy Riverine Command and the Ghana Police, resulted in the discovery and seizure of 81 sacks containing suspected marijuana.

    The illicit substances were found in an abandoned warehouse situated within the premises of the Ghana Highways Authority in Ada.

    The arrested suspects were taken into custody at the scene, and the confiscated narcotics have been transported to the NACOC Headquarters in Accra for thorough investigation.

    This intelligence-driven operation was strategically executed to prevent the potential movement of illegal substances from their source on land.

    Authorities underscored their unwavering commitment to combating the illicit narcotics trade and urged the public to provide valuable information to facilitate future anti-drug operations.

  • Ghana Navy, NACOC confiscate 81 sacks of suspected marijuana; 6 arrested

    Ghana Navy, NACOC confiscate 81 sacks of suspected marijuana; 6 arrested

    The Ghana Navy, in collaboration with the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) and the Ghana Police, has arrested six individuals over alleged narcotics.

    The joint operation, conducted by the Ada Foah Detachment of the Ghana Navy Riverine Command, resulted in the seizure of 81 sacks of suspected marijuana.

    The substances were found in a run-down warehouse located at the Ghana Highways Authority premises in Ada. The arrested suspects and confiscated drugs were transported to the NACOC Headquarters in Accra for further investigation.

    The authorities stressed their commitment to combating the illegal narcotics trade and encouraged the public to provide useful information for future operations.

  • 45 sacks of suspected marijuana intercepted by Ghana Navy

    45 sacks of suspected marijuana intercepted by Ghana Navy

    The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has reported that the Ada Foah Detachment of the Riverine Command of the Ghana Navy successfully intercepted a canoe transporting parcels of substances believed to be marijuana in the Agorkpo general area.

    The operation took place in the early hours of Saturday, December 16, 2023, between 3:00 am and 8:00 am, based on intelligence gathered during night foot patrols on Friday, December 15, 2023.

    In an official statement released on Monday, December 18, GAF disclosed that the Detachment strategically laid an ambush at two locations from 3:00 am, anticipating the movement of the canoes.

    Around 4:00 am, the first Ambush Team spotted three canoes engaged in illegal activities, speeding past their location. However, the suspects deviated from the expected direction, leading the first team of three men to pursue and intercept the third canoe.

    Upon interception, the three suspects on the third canoe jumped into the river and managed to escape after a scuffle with the naval personnel, abandoning the canoe and its contents.

    The remaining two canoes fled towards the estuary and evaded capture by the main Ambush Team during a subsequent chase.

    The Detachment seized 45 sacks of suspected marijuana, which are yet to be officially weighed and valued. The confiscated items have been transported to the Naval Base at Tema for further investigation.

  • Locally manufactured catamaran vessel presented to Ghana Navy

    Locally manufactured catamaran vessel presented to Ghana Navy

    The Ghana Navy has taken delivery of a locally manufactured catamaran boat from Mchammah Engineering Company Limited, a Ghanaian electro-mechanical, fabrication, and manufacturing business.

    The vessel, measuring 20 by eight feet with two hulls and a transport cradle, was handed over to the Navy in a brief ceremony at its headquarters in Burma Camp, Accra.

    CEO of Mchammah Engineering Ltd, Dr. Ebenezer Kakra Hammah, stated that the construction and delivery of the vessel are part of collective efforts to offer indigenous solutions for safeguarding Ghana’s maritime safety and interests.

    “We firmly believe that by collaborating and forming partnerships, we can instigate positive change and encourage the implementation of locally driven solutions for the betterment of our beloved nation,” he said.

    Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Seth Amoama, acknowledged the significant contribution of Mchammah Engineering Ltd, emphasizing how their act of benevolence enhances the efforts of the Ghana Navy.

    The CNS highlighted that this collaboration is not only crucial for the security of the country but also serves as evidence of the commitment of local businesses to support the Navy in fulfilling its service to the nation.

  • Ghana Navy holds maritime counter-terrorism simulation exercise

    The Ghana Navy has embarked on a maritime counter-terrorism simulation exercise at Nungua in Accra.

    The exercise dubbed “Exercise Sea Hawk” was in line with the navy’s operational readiness to protect and prevent terror attacks within the country’s maritime domain.

    The exercise also sought to test and enhance the operational readiness of officers of the Special Boat Squadron (SBS) Unit of the Ghana Navy to conduct maritime interdiction operations to secure the country’s maritime space.

    The exercise featured personnel from the unit who staged an interception scene on a cargo container purported to be smuggling arms and ammunition within Ghanaian waters.

    The team also demonstrated how to foil the trans-shipment of the arms and ammunition by feeder vessels that could be used by armed gangs in such operations.

    The event was observed by the Chief of the Defence Staff, Vice-Admiral Seth Amoama; the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Issah Adam Yakubu, and other high-ranking officials from the Eastern Naval Command and the Ghana Air Force.

    Security consciousness

    Addressing journalists after the exercise, the Minister of Defence, Dominic Nitiwul, emphasised calls for the public to be security conscious and volunteer information to the security forces in the face of the difficulties associated with terror attacks facing the West African region.

    He said the prevention of terror attacks on the country by the security agencies would be hugely influenced by the availability of information from the public.

    Mr Nitiwul pointed out that while the leaders of West Africa were determined to rid the region of difficulties it continued to face as a result of insurgencies, the menace could only be curbed if citizens became willing partners in the scheme.

    “Please join government to fight the menace since you can never know who a terrorist is if you fail to report suspicious activities within your communities,” Mr Nitiwul appealed.

    Retool

    Ghana, Mr Nitiwul indicated, was an import-dependent nation, and that it would be important to safeguard the security of the country.

    He commended the three arms of the Ghana Armed Forces for initiating the exercises at all levels to enhance the country’s security, and gave an assurance that the government would ensure that the forces were adequately resourced to ensure that Ghana remained a peaceful nation within the sub-region.

    The Defence Minister also warned members of the public to be cautious of threats to avoid rushing to take photographs of suspected explosions just to share on social media.

    “When there is an explosion like what we just witnessed with the simulation exercise, the best thing to do is to move away from the scene as the first option so you do not endanger your life.

    “The death toll we saw in the mining town of Appiatse when a vehicle carrying explosives caught fire was as a result of people rushing to take photos and videos.

    “If we are all aware of the dangers of any form of explosions and take the precautionary measures, we can protect precious lives,” Mr Nitiwul said.

     

     

  • Priscilla Ami Dogbeda Dzokoto is Ghana’s first female Navy Commanding Officer

    Priscilla Ami Dogbeda Dzokoto has been named the first female commanding officer of a Ghana Navy ship, making her the second woman to join the Navy’s Executive Branch.

    She joins Lt. Commander Faustina Maame Boakyewaa Anokye Boakye, the Navy’s first female naval officer.

    On the Ghana Navy Ship (GNS) ANKOBRA, a River Class Ship, Lieutenant Commander Priscilla Ami Dogbeda Dzokoto will be in command of activities.

    She is reportedly in charge of a combined maritime exercise between Ghana and Nigeria.

    Profile

    Lieutenant Commander Priscilla Ami Dogbeda Dzokoto was born on Saturday, March 8, 1986 in Takoradi.

    She had her primary education at Pentecost Preparatory and JSS and later attended Holy Child School, Cape Coast in the Central Region.

    In 2004, she completed her secondary education. She pursued Mathematical Science at the University of Ghana, Legon, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Statistics and Computer Science in 2009.

    Ghana Navy returns hijacked vessel by pirates to Tema Port

    On September 14, 2012, Priscilla Ami Dogbeda Dzokoto was enlisted into the Executive Branch of the Ghana Navy as part of Ghana Military Academy Regular Career Course Intake 52.

    At the Britannia Royal Naval College Dartmouth in the United Kingdom, she had her initial training. This was in 2013.

    Later in 2016, she underwent the Sub Lieutenants Technical Course in Ghana.

    She furthered her education at the Navigation Direction School in Kochi, India from July 2021 to February 2022 where she graduated as a Navigation Specialist.

    Source: The Independent Ghana



  • Ghana Navy outlines ‘Agenda 2024’ plan

    The Ghana Navy has developed a revised strategic plan dubbed: ” Agenda 2024″ to maintain a modern robust Force capable of defending the country against sea-borne threats.

    The plan includes achieving total surveillance coverage through increased monitoring at Maritime Operations Centres, modernising the Navy by leveraging technology for its operations, enhancing the welfare of sailors, and collaboration with stakeholders and international partners.

    Real Admiral Issah Adams Yakubu, the Chief of Navy Staff, announced this on Thursday at the opening ceremony of a two-day Chief of the Naval Staff’s annual conference in Accra.

    The conference is on the theme: “Adopting Resourceful and Innovative Measures to Transform the Ghana Navy into a Modern and Robust Naval Force.”

    The objective is to brainstorm to find solutions to the challenges in the maritime sector and define the way forward to achieve the agenda.

    Real Admiral Yakubu said the Navy was working assiduously to enhance maritime air patrols through collaboration with the Ghana Air Force and increased presence at sea through the deployment of new ships equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance equipment.

    “We will take account of our country’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats including its geography, political stability to determine the way forward in modernizing our fleet,” he said.

    The Chief of Navy Staff said there was the need to prioritise innovation by empowering personnel at all levels to bring forward new ideas and establishing a process to deliver design options through a full development cycle in a cost-effective way.

    In leveraging technology for its operations, Real Admiral Yakubu said the Navy would equip the Special Boat Squadron and Diving Unit with modern equipment for training and operations and the use of satellite systems on ships for real-time data exchange.

    On collaboration, he said the plan would encourage other services such as the Ghana Air Force and other maritime agencies as well as the regional and international partners to take a greater role in the sustainability of the strategy.

    “We will launch operation secure waters in partnership with local and international partners to ensure secured and safe maritime domain in the country and the continent”, he said.

    Real Admiral Yakubu, said though there were many criminal activities in the Gulf of Guinea, piracy remained the most visible issue of insecurity in the region and called for concerted efforts to address the menace.

    In 2020, the Gulf of Guinea accounted for 95 per cent of all kidnappings at sea with the actual and attempted attacks in the region increasing by 34 per cent from the 2019 figure of 59 to 79 in 2020, with 25 attacks so far, this year.

    He said Nigeria had commenced an aggressive campaign in its waters with a $195 million Deep Blue project, which was likely to dislocate criminals to operate further offshore and invulnerable and less patrolled waters.

    Real Admiral Yakubu stated that the threat posed by non-traditional security challenges should prompt a thorough re-examination of the strategies, tactics, and tools needed to keep the country’s water safe.

    Commodore Godwin Livinus Bessing, the Chief Staff Officer of Navy, said the conference would provide a platform for participants to pitch the vision of the Force and share ideas to facilitate the strategic trajectory of the Navy.

    He urged the participants to participate fully in the discussions and come out with a workable solution to curb the threats of maritime security in the region.

    Source: GNA

  • Election 2020: Security agencies to march for peace today

    As parts of efforts to assure the public of their readiness for the upcoming elections, the various security agencies will embark on a nationwide march today, November 26, 2020.

    Code-named TAFIA-LAFIYA, the walk is expected to start at 6 am and end at 12:00 in the afternoon.

    The peace march will further provide assurances to the public, that security is guaranteed and that anything that poses a threat to the peace of the nation will be stamped out.

    As a result of the march, some major roads in Accra and other regional capitals will be closed to traffic within the period.

    The security services comprise the Police Service, the Armed Forces, Prisons Service, National Fire Service; Immigration Service, Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, the National Intelligence Bureau together with the National Ambulance Service.

    The Ghana Police Service in a statement urged the public to cooperate and bear with them.

    “Due to the march, there will be vehicular traffic and diversions on streets of the areas earmarked, at certain times of the morning. However, security personnel will be deployed to manage the traffic and diversions,” a statement from the Ghana Police Service noted. In the Greater Accra Region, for instance, the parade will move on the following routes:

    Route 1: Independence Square Liberation Rd. 37 N1 Weija Kasoa Oboom Road Amasaman Sowutuom N1 37 Giffard Road;

    Route 2: Independence Square Ako Adjei Int Circle Tesano Achimota Pokuase Nsawam Amasaman Aburi Frafraha Madina Legon;

    Route 3: Independence Square Osu La Nungua Lashibi Sakumono Comm19 Spintex Road Tetteh Quarshie East Legon Adjiriganor Ashaley Botwe:

    Route 4: Independence Square Accra Central James Town Agbogbloshie Korle Bu Saprobic Dansoman Kaneshie Circle Nima Adabraka; and

    Route 5: Tema areas: Michel Camp Gbetsele Afienya Dahwenya Tsopoli Ningo Prampram Kpone Tema New Town Ashaiman.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Ghana to build naval boats locally

    Ghana will for the first time build a sea craft (Fibre Reinforce Plastic Boat) for the Navy as part of efforts to limit the importation of boats into the country.

    The move would not only empower local industry but save the country the huge cost that was incurred in importation of boats for the Navy.

    This was disclosed by Chief of Naval Staff, Real Admiral Seth Amoama in Accra when students of the Regional Maritime University (RMU) as part of the project work for Post Graduate Studies in Naval Architecture, designed and built a model of the Fibre Reinforce Plastic (FRP) boat.

    On average he explained that, it costs the navy about GH¢1.5 million to import the FRP boat into the country but would only cost about GH¢50,000 to produce one by the students of the RMU with local technology.

    According to Real Admiral Amoama, students after completion, would be brought on board and provided with the resources to transform the model into a proper sea craft that would be used by the navy.

    “In just a couple of months, we would support the students to build the sea craft with local indigenous technology which would be very groundbreaking as far as the activities of the navy are concerned,” he stated.

    “This is a huge cost saving venture and we would not only produce FRP boats but ensure that we build ships made of steel and aluminum to further save the country money and also improve local industry,” he stated.

    The Ghana Navy he said celebrated its 60th Anniversary last year but could not boast of a major craft done by Ghanaians making the development a milestone for the maritime industry as a whole.

    However he said, the country could not continue to import craft from outside but rather use indigenous materials to build as done by the RMU in collaboration with the Ghana Navy and Teamwork Powerboats Limited.

    Vice Chancellor of RMU, Prof. Elvis Nyarko commended the students for their creativity in making their vision of building their own craft come to reality.

    “This is the first time students were trained to build a craft in the country with very modern and durable designs that would stand the test of time,” he stated.

    He expressed appreciation to the Ghana Navy for coming on board to support and urged them to ensure that the model was developed to be used by the Navy in their operations.

    The three students who designed the craft were, Lt (GN) Christopher Nii Affah Armah, Lt (GN) Eli Kofi Djamesi and Lt (GN) Kofi Tabi Ankobiah.

    Speaking on their behalf, Lt (GN) Ankobiah said, it was important for the Ghana Navy to support to build capacity that would locally design and build boats for their operations.

    “Adequate funding and modern tools should be made available for the production of such boats and be produced in the country,” he added.

    Caption: The Chief Naval Staff (second left) and Vice Chancellor of RMU (second right) and the students in a pose with the Model FRP Boat.

    Source: Ghanaian Times

  • Ghana Navy returns hijacked vessel by pirates to Tema Port

    The Ghana flagged Tuna Purse Seine vessel called Panofi Frontier that was hijacked by suspected Nigeria pirates in Benin waters on Wednesday at about 1400 hours has been located and guided to the Tema Port by the Ghana Navy.

    It is reported that there were 30 member crew on board the vessel, out of which 25 were Ghanaians and 5 were Koreans.

    6 crew members, 5 Koreans including captain of the vessel and a Ghanaian cook called Kofi Opuni on boarded the vessel are reported to have been abducted by the pirates and could still not be found at the time the vessel was brought to the Port of Tema by the Ghanaian Navy.

    According to the Ghana Navy, they met the vessel at the Ghana-Togo border and brought it to the Port of Tema anchorage on Thursday, 25th June, 2020.

    According to the Navy, apart from the 6 crew members who had been captured, the remaining 24 crew were safe and in Ghana but the Navy is still gathering detail information on the entire incidence.

    Security agencies at the Port of Tema including the Port Security, Marine Police, Navy and members of the Joint Port Control Units have all joined forces to investigate the incidence to unravel the circumstances leading to the hijack.

    Source: B&FT Online

  • Ghana Navy gets new 16-unit accommodation block

    The Ghana Navy has commissioned a fully-furnished 16-unit accommodation block to serve as a transit residence for officers posted to Accra for operational and administrative duties.

    The Block, KP Fiadoo Lodge, was named after Rear Admiral Peter Kofi Fiadoo, the immediate past Chief of Naval Staff, will minimise the struggle to find decent accommodation for officers in transit.

    Each unit of the block, sited in the Naval Wardroom, near the Jubilee House, in Accra, comprise a bedroom, a hall and a kitchenette.

    Commissioning the facility, Lieutenant General Obed Boamah Akwa, the Chief of Defense Staff, said it would also facilitate bonding among officers for shared experiences and leadership qualities.

    Additionally, it would provide opportunities for young officers to imbibe the tradition of the Army and important values such as etiquette, integrity, teamwork, and morale.

    “The role of the mess in developing and strengthening professionalism in the military cannot be overemphasized,” he explained.

    Lt. Gen. OB Akwa said inadequate accommodation had posed a serious challenge to officers but the Military hierarchy was working in partnership with the government to address the problem.

    He commended the Present and Past Commanders of the Navy, especially Rear Admiral George Mawuli Biekro, Rear Admiral KP Fiadoo, and Rear Admiral Seth Amoama, the Chief of Naval Staff, who he said, joined their efforts towards the successful completion of the edifice.

    He said the decision to name the edifice after Rear Admiral KP Fiadoo was most appropriate and well deserved, especially for his invaluable contribution towards its construction.

    The Chief of Defense Staff urged the Unit leadership to ensure the maintenance of the building with all its facilities for the use of future generations, saying, “I entreat the Mess Committee to put in the necessary measures to avoid the incidence of fire and other domestic accidents.”

    For his part, Rear Admiral S. Amoama said the project was initiated in 2015 under the leadership of Rear Admiral Biekro.

    However, it stalled for some years after old structures were demolished, the site was cleared and the site had been hoarded because of lack of funds.

    In September 2018, it was reactivated with Internally Generated Funds and awarded to Edrick Construction Services.

    The Mess, Rear Adm said, was the home of living-in personnel, the club of all members, and the centre of military social life in every unit, noting that with the anticipation of an increase in living-in members, social events would be reaching a crescendo.

    Rear Adm Fiadoo said: “I am truly elated to witness the completion of this project, explaining that, it was not only because the project began during his tenure, but also of the joy of witnessing the solution to some of the perennial accommodation issues.

    He said some officers, hitherto, resorted to renting guest houses or similar facilities while they were in transit.

    Madam Patience Danso Abiam, the Chief Executive Officer of Edrick Construction Services, said all the three successive leaders involved in the project were passionate about it.

    She said there was provision for all modern amenities, such as air-conditioners, washing machines, water heaters, and gas cookers, adding that the beautiful scenery had been created for the comfort and wellbeing of its occupants.

    Source: GNA