Kofi Ampeah Woode
The West Africa Policy Head of the United Kingdom’s (UK) Ministry of Defence – Her Excellency (HE) Alice Hadden has held strategic talks on riverine operations, maritime security, and joint initiatives to counter threats and challenges in the riverine environment, with the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) – Rear Admiral (R/Adm) Issah Adam Yakubu.
During their deliberations on Wednesday 17 April 2024, at the Naval Headquarters, Burma Camp, Accra, R/Adm IA Yakubu underscored the strategic significance of riverine operations in the context of maritime security and national stability, emphasizing the need for collaborative engagements and partnerships, to effectively address emerging threats and criminal activities in riverine areas.
He stated that, the Ghana Navy has completed the formation of its Riverine Command, and has recently commissioned the River Class Boats, to safeguard maritime interests at, most especially, the country’s border points.
He welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with the British West Africa Head of Policy, and to explore shared strategies and actionable measures, to address common challenges and reinforce maritime security in the West African sub-region.
The CNS and the British West Africa Head of Policy both expressed mutual commitment and determination to advance collaboration efforts, which would bolster regional maritime security and resilience in riverine areas.
The CNS and HE Haden, exchanged plaques of honour, whiles Admiral Yakubu decorated each member of the British delegation with a hand-woven Ghana Navy stole.
Members of the British West Africa Head of Policy’s delegation included the Deputy Head, British Defence Staff, West Africa – Colonel Martin Leach; UK Defence Advisor – Commander Richard Walter, and other Embassy Staff.
Credit: GHANA NAVY PR
