Kofi Ampeah Woode
The leadership of the Ghana Navy Band (GN Band) has changed with Lieutenant Commander (Lt Cdr) Theophilus Stanley Brocke handing over command to Sub Lieutenant (S/Lt) Doris Ebonyi at the Eastern Naval Command (ENC), Tema.
The handing/taking over ceremony on Wednesday 26 March 2025, was presided over by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) ENC – Commodore (Cdre) Maxwell Arhen, who commended Lt Cdr Brocke for his exceptional leadership and dedication to the development of the Ghana Navy Band.
In his farewell address, Lt Cdr Brocke, who now assumes the role of Acting Second-in-Command (A/2IC) of the Armed Forces Central Band (AFCB), reflected on his tenure and stated that he took over as Officer-in-Charge, with a vision to elevate the GN Band to a recognised professional music unit, fostering discipline, musical excellence, and international collaboration.
During his tenure, Lt Cdr Brocke composed Anthems for the Ghana Navy, Navy Recruit Training School (NRTS), United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) Ghana Battalion 85 (GHANBATT 85),Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Mission in the Gambia (ECOMIG) Ghana Company (GHANCOY) 6 Anthem, and several GHANBATT UN Missions Anthems.
Further, he secured new regimental, dance band instruments and ceremonial uniforms for the unit, through the Naval Headquarters (NHQ), introduced the Band Routine Orders (BRO) for effective communication within the Unit, created new office spaces for the Administrative and Training Officers, and led several transformative initiatives that significantly enhanced the unit:
The Music Chief also renovated the Bandmaster’s and Registry offices to improve working conditions, established a partnership between the GN Band and the University of Ghana Music Department, for music certification courses, and actively encouraged and supported bandsmen in furthering their education, resulting in several bandsmen/women obtaining first degrees from various universities, with one eventually commissioning as an officer.
Lt Cdr Brocke also is credited with producing a ‘Mother’s Day’ video project in collaboration with Ghana Navy Ship Garinga, to promote the Ghana Navy and the GN Band.
He established the GN Band Welfare Association, secured the official recognition of the GN Band as a Unit with an establishment number, organised the maiden Band Concert for Musician (MN) course students, and drafted and introduced the Band Standing Orders to provide a structured operational framework.
Lt Cdr Brocke also facilitated the construction of washrooms and Band Matambo for training, through the assistance of the FOC, ENC, and designed and introduced the GN Band Crest as an official identity symbol.
FOC, ENC – Cdre Maxwell Arhen, commended Lt Cdr Brocke for his outstanding service and the significant improvements he spearheaded within the GN Band, and encouraged S/Lt Ebonyi to uphold professionalism, innovation, and discipline in her leadership.
Additionally, Cdre Arhen emphasized that the new OIC should administer the Unit through the Command Operations Officer (COO) – Captain (GN) Festus Osei-Brobbey, ensuring smooth operational coordination within the GN Band.
This handing-over ceremony marks a new chapter for the GN Band, signifying growth, transformation, and the continuation of excellence in military music, within the Ghana Navy.
Credit: GN Band
