Kofi Ampeah Woode
Nine (9) operatives made up of three (3) Officers and (6) six Ratings on the Basic Operative Capability Course 2 successfully graduated at the Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Nutekpor in the Volta Region, having successfully gone through 26 weeks of rigorous training.
On Friday 15 September 2023, the trainees graduated with the status of Special Forces Operatives ready to assist the Special Boat Squadron (SBS) of the Ghana Navy in combating counter-piracy, trafficking and other maritime-related crimes.
Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) NAVTRAC – Commodore (Cdre) Bright Atiayao, in a welcome address, said the event was a testament to the enduring legacy of the Chief of the Naval Staff’s (CNS’) commitment to training and building the capacity of the Ghana Navy to a global standard.
Commanding Officer (CO) SBS – Commander (Cdr) Seth Dzakpasu, said the six-month period of basic training saw only the 9 out of twenty -nine (29) trainees graduating, saying the focus of the training was to test their determination, grit and will to persevere.
The CNS and Special Guest of Honour – Rear Admiral (R/Adm) Issah Adam Yakubu in his address, reminded the new Operatives that the formidable challenges they have surmounted should deepen their determination and hone their combat skills.
He urged the Operatives to shoulder the responsibility of safeguarding the country and its maritime interests at all cost, following the footsteps of those who have blazed this trail.
On his part, the Danish Ambassador to Ghana – His Excellency Tom Norring, expressed his satisfaction regarding the well-functioning cooperation between Ghana and Denmark on Maritime Special Forces.
He commended the SBS for its role in combating piracy, trafficking and other forms of crime in the maritime domain.
The newly graduated trainees were pinned with badges as a sign of special recognition.
The occasion was also used to commission the AYAMBA GYMNASIUM, which was named in honour of AB1 Ayamba Peter, who passed away in the course of the training.
Present at the occasion were some Deputy Chief Staff Officers and Directors from the Army, Naval and Air Force Headquarters, as well as some members of other security services in the South Tongu District, in the Volta Region.
Credit: navyonline.mil.gh
