Kofi Ampeah Woode
Ghana Navy turned 65 years old on Monday July 29, and has officially launched exciting retinue of programs to celebrate its Blue Sapphire Anniversary, under the theme: Consolidating 65 years of Maritime Excellence through Diversified Maritime Operations.
Delivering the launch address, the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) – Rear Admiral (R/Adm) Issah Adam Yakubu said, for the past 65 years, Ghana Navy (GN) has served the people by ensuring delivery on both traditional and evolving contemporary roles, in the areas of protection of fisheries, offshore oil and gas platforms, shipping and the marine environment.
The Commander of GN continued to say that the Navy has played a significant role in developing the maritime economy and has the potential, if given the necessary resources, to build a formidable maritime force, although it had a grandiose vision of hosting the African High Command for a continental force at inception, which never materialized.
He recalled that GN fleet took a dip until the oil discovery in 2007, and that since then there has been a steady growth in fleet size, personnel numbers and infrastructure.
Citing present assets of the maritime force, Admiral Yakubu said, there have been 12 patrol boats of varying sizes added to the fleet, with close to 20 small boats, whiles its naval shipyard has seen a tremendous facelift, and its Supply Depot now boasting of a tailoring pool with state-of-the-art machinery, and sews majority of GN’s clothing.
The Navy Commander added that GN has seen massive infrastructural development with the establishment of the Navy Training Command (NAVTRAC) – built from scratch – and gradually becoming a Centre of Excellence in naval training in West Africa.
In the area of accommodation – which has been the its Achilles heel – there now are the accommodations such as the Biekro Barracks in Tema, the Naval Base in Tema, the Senior Rates Mess at Burma Camp, in Accra, as well as the numerous self-help projects dotted around the various commands.
He spoke of the Naval Headquarters edifice in Accra, the human resource and its effective management, GAF’s expansion drive which has seen the birth of the Riverine and Logistics Commands, recent creation of the Administration Branch, adoption of Navy Integrated Management System for administrative and operational functions, and to be fully operational by end of August 2024.
The Navy is venturing into unmanned systems and has been deploying two unmanned aerial vehicles, acquired through the Ghana Boundary Commission for maritime patrols.
He said in furtherance of the Navy’s growth, the marked improvement in the leadership culture for inclusive governance, has ensured continuity in Command’s execution of projects and the general direction of the Navy, albeit with slight modifications based on the visions of the CNSs at various times.
“I am determined to build on the legacy of my predecessors, and I am happy to say: the future looks bright”, Admiral Yakubu.
He revealed that the Ghanaian government is taking steps to acquire a 65 meter fisheries patrol vessel from Japan (which will be the biggest in GN’s inventory), to help ensure presence in Ghana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) – 65m vessel on 65th Anniversary.
He also announced that the phase one of the construction of the naval base at Enzilibo in the nation’s west, will be commissioned by the President of the Republic before the fall of 2024, to become the biggest naval base in Ghana, with its own harbour.
The Chief Staff Officer (CSO), Naval Headquarters – Commodore (Cdre) Bright Emmanuel Kojo Atiayao, in presenting his welcome remarks to the launch, philosophized quoting an unknown source: “Life is a journey, and milestones are the markers that remind us to appreciate the scenery along the way”.
He announced commemorative activities such as a route march, humanitarian activities in all commands, a commissioning ceremony for GN’s newly acquired ship GNS ACHIMOTA, a Fleet Review, and a Thanksgiving Service, to culminate the Blue Sapphire celebrations, on 14 August, 7 September, 24 October and 22 December, 2024.
Present at the launch included GAF’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Logistics – R/Adm Samuel Agyenim-Boateng; Ghana Army and Air Force CSOs – Brigadier General Barima Brako Owusu and Air Commodore Eric Yirenkyi, respectively; Flag Officers Commanding Western and Eastern Naval Command – Cdre Emmanuel Ayesu Kwafo and Cdre Maxwell Arhen, respectively; Senior Officers, Officers, Master Coxswain of the Navy, Ratings and Defence Civilian Staff.
By Kofi Ampeah-Woode
