The Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Issah Adam Yakubu, has urged promoted Naval Officers not to "let their oars down", at a stripe wetting ceremony held at the Wardroom, Accra on Friday 5 July 2024.
The stripe wetting ceremony is a time-honoured naval tradition that celebrates the achievements of officers who have been promoted or transitioned into new ranks, with a symbolic "wetting" of the new stripes with a small amount of alcohol or water.
Rear Admiral Yakubu congratulated the officers on their well-deserved promotion, advising them not to "let their oars down" but to continue working hard to achieve greater heights. He emphasised the importance of leadership, integrity, and dedication to the service.
He encouraged the officers to remain committed to their duties, lead by example, and inspire their colleagues to strive for excellence.
He reminded them that their new ranks come with increased responsibilities and expectations. "Apart from the joyous part of the promotion, it also comes with responsibilities". He stated.
The CNS also called for the revival of 'Mess life', noting that, mess life has been an integral part of the naval tradition that provides a platform for officers to socialize, share experiences, and build relationships. He encouraged officers to prioritize mess life and participate in mess activities.
The President of the Mess Committee, Captain (GN) Andy La-Anyane thanked the CNS and all invited guests for honouring the invitations. He also gave a brief history of stripe wetting ceremony.
The ceremony was attended by retired senior naval officers including the former CNS, Rear Admiral Peter Kofi Faidoo (rtd), the Chief Staff Officer at the Naval Headquarters, Commodore Bright Emmanuel Atiayao, family members, and friends of the promoted officers.
The promoted officers expressed their gratitude to the CNS and the Ghana Navy for the recognition and opportunity to serve in higher capacities. They pledged to work tirelessly to justify their promotion and contribute to the growth and development of the Navy.
