Kofi Ampeah Woode
The Ghana Navy (GN) has decided to locate the Headquarters of one of its newly created Commands – the Logistics Command – to the under-construction Forward Operating Base (FOB) at Ezinlibo, in the Western Region, by August of 2024, as part of the Expansion Drive of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).
The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) of the GAF – Rear Admiral (R/Adm) Issah Adam Yakubu stated in his address at the 2-day 2024 CNS Annual Conference, which was held at the Naval Headquarters (NHQ), on Thursday 22 February, 2024, under the theme: “Consolidating the Gains made towards achieving the Objectives of Ghana Navy’s Agenda 2024”.
The Ezinlibo Naval FOB, whose sod was cut on Wednesday 16 December 2020, and is expected to accommodate over one thousand (1,000) personnel in modern habitations – bigger than the Sekondi Naval Base, in terms of Infrastructure – has had its construction delayed due to technical challenges, and is over 50% complete.
The FOB, which is expected to have a brand new harbour – which is now about 50% complete, and projected to be completed in 2025 – was referred to by the CNS as a major addition to GN’s infrastructure, and that even though it is labelled an FOB, it would end up as a full Naval Base.
“The FOB has gotten to a developed level. Some more payments have been released to the contractors, and by June this year, all the infrastructural works – accommodation, offices, training facilities and everything on the shore, would be completed. We will have a partial commissioning in August 2024, after which the Navy is to occupy it”, R/Adm Yakubu stated.
Speaking on the expansion drive of GAF, the CNS said the military is re-organizing to meet current security challenges, and that the Navy’s expansion drive includes the creation of two new commands – Logistics and Riverine Commands – introduction of the Administrative Branch, and reorganization of Departments at the NHQ, to include Deputy Chief Staff Officers (DCSO), which has resulted in astronomic increase in staff numbers.
“New offices, office equipment and Admin support to the expanded staff levels are enormous. I am, therefore, imploring all staff to be moderate with their expectations, and be judicious in the use of resources. I have no doubt this expansion and re-organisation has contributed greatly to the milestones we have achieved”, Admiral Yakubu stated.
“There are lots of opportunities out there with the need for qualified welders, divers and all, to take charge of the Blue Economy, which is fast developing. The Navy has to brace itself for new things that are developing”, he rounded up.
By Kofi Ampeah-Woode
