Ghana Peace
1 Garrison of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has held an inter-denominational religious service to induct its Commander, and Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Eastern Naval Command (ENC) of the Ghana Navy (GN) – Commodore (Cdre) Solomon Asiedu-Larbi into office.
The induction service was held at the Naval Base, Tema, which headquarters the Garrison, on Sunday 31 August 2025, under the theme: Leading with God’s Wisdom and Discernment, with the Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), Tema Metropolitan Assembly – Madam Ebi Bright as the Guest of Honour.
In a speech, she acknowledged the appointment of the FOC as one that would shape the future of maritime security in the West African region, since his leadership in various capacities has also been marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence, a deep sense of duty, and a firm commitment to the principles and values that underpin naval forces.
She also outlined areas that the metropolitan authority would seek to cooperate with the ENC as; the fair distribution of premixed fuel, and the executive decision to pursue demolition of structures built at the Tema Ramsar site, instead of prosecution and incarceration of offenders.
The MCE acknowledged and cited challenges that constrain operations of ENC as; significant infrastructure and resource gaps, inadequate accommodation for personnel, deteriorating security perimeter wall, street lighting, and the lack of a dedicated generator to power the Maritime Operations Centre, and promised to lead the resolution for these difficulties.
Cdre Asiedu-Larbi, who assumed command of the ENC in May 2025, expressed gratitude to God for the appointment, and the opportunity granted him for maritime expeditions, quoting Psalms 107:23 – “they that go down to sea in ships, that do business in great waters; these see the works of the Lord and His wonders in the deep”.
He expressed the desire that his stewardship would see the Command edge towards its motto of “Able and Dependable”, as ENC aspires to be a future-ready Command, capable of operationalizing the strategic objectives of the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), GN.
The vision of the CNS – Rear Admiral Godwin Bessing is “To build and sustain a well-trained, mission-ready, motivated and professional naval force that safeguards Ghana’s maritime interests, advances the blue economy, and contributes to national, regional and global maritime security, while upholding the enduring values and traditions of the Navy”.
Praying that God gives him the fortitude and wisdom to drive the Command and its personnel in achieving the mandate, he also entreated traditional authorities, opinion leaders, as well as captains of industry, to identify with ENC’s brand, to enhance civil-military relations, and help in making the Command a shining example in the Metropolis.
In a sermonette titled “Leadership that is built on discernment”, Reverend Colonel (Col) Peter Nyarko Duodu (Rtd) said that one could lead with confidence, yet wrongly and blindly, however, with wisdom and discernment one would lead godly and attain great success.
He added that if the leader has the ability to differentiate God’s voice from other voices, his/her leadership would inspire others, reduce confusion, and result in providing solutions to the followers.
Imam Lieutenant Colonel Shamsudeen Suleman (Rtd) of the 1 Garrison Chaplaincy, in a homily and from Quran 31:12, said that wisdom is different from academic qualifications, and that every leader needs wisdom.
He also stated that the people around a leader demonstrates his/her wisdom, and that the leader should consult widely, and never be independent of God.
As an Operational Command, ENC guards 550 kilometres of Ghana’s coastline from Aflao in the Volta Region, to Winneba in the Central Region, securing vital shipping lines that carry approximately 70% of Ghana’s international trade, safeguarding maritime resources.
1 Garrison comprises of ENC – Tema Manhean, 1 Infantry Battalion (1BN), Central Ammunition Depot (CAD), Ghana Army School of Explosive and Ammunition (GASAE) – Michel Camp, and the Army Recruit Training School (ARTS) – Shai Hills.
1 Garrison supports GN’s Riverine Command to ensure the safety of transportation on the Volta Lake; various Internal Security Operations, including OPERATION (OPS) OASIS to protect the Bui Dam; OPS BOAFO to provide relief to flood-affected areas; OPS MOTHERLAND to secure the Adomi Bridge, Akosombo and Akuse Dams.
Furthermore, the Command deploys troops under OPS HALT to protect the Battle Training Camp, Bundase, and OPS MAIDA BUURI, as part of a task force at Bawku, in the Upper East Region.
The Command identifies piracy, armed robbery both on land and at sea, illegal unreported and unregulated fishing, illicit trade, arms, drug and human trafficking, activities of criminal gangs, poor sanitation, environmental degradation and bulging youth population, as some of the prevalent threats within its Area of Responsibility.
Dignitaries present at the function included the Member of Parliament, Tema East – Mr Isaac Odamtten; Commandant, Training and Doctrine Command – Cdre Maxwell Arhen; FOC, Naval Training Command – Cdre Joseph Agambire; Brigadier General Isaac Amponsah – Senior Directing Staff, National College of Defence Studies; Members of Regular Career Course 37; heads of security services, Commanding Officers of 1 Garrison Units, Officers, captains of industries, amongst many.
By Kofi Ampeah-Woode
