The European Union (EU), through its Support to West Africa Integrated Maritime Security (SWAIMS) Programme, has handed over 2 Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) to the Ghana Navy on Tuesday 4 August 2026, at the Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Nutekpor. The presentation followed the successful completion of a 2-week Ghana Navy Boat Operators Training Course, conducted under the auspices of the EU SWAIMS Programme by instructors from the Portuguese Navy. The training was aimed at equipping personnel of Ghana Navy with the requisite knowledge and practical skills in boat handling, navigation, seamanship, maritime safety, and operational procedures to enhance maritime security operations.
Delivering the welcome address, the Training Coordinator of NAVTRAC, Naval Captain David Dela Kpetigo, welcomed the distinguished guests and participants to the ceremony and expressed appreciation to the EU and its partners for their continued investment in maritime capacity building. He noted that the successful conduct of the training and the donation of the boats demonstrate the strong partnership between NAVTRAC and the EU SWAIMS Programme in enhancing the operational capabilities of the Ghana Navy.
In his remarks, the General Coordinator of the EU SWAIMS Programme, Commodore Antonio Neves Rodrigues, commended the participants for their commitment throughout the training and reaffirmed the Programme's commitment to supporting maritime security initiatives across the Gulf of Guinea. He stated that the donation of the boats reflect the EU's resolve to strengthen the operational capacity of partner nations to effectively combat piracy, armed robbery at sea, illegal fishing, trafficking, and other transnational maritime crimes through improved training and modern equipment.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Representative of the EU, Madam Gisela Spreitzhofer, reaffirmed the EU's commitment to supporting sustainable maritime security and regional cooperation in West Africa. She noted that safe and secure maritime spaces were vital to economic growth, trade, and regional stability, adding that the EU remains committed to working closely with Ghana and other coastal states to build resilient maritime institutions capable of addressing emerging security challenges.
Addressing the gathering, the Guest of Honour and Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) NAVTRAC, Commodore James Adongo Agambire, expressed profound appreciation to the EU, SWAIMS Programme, and Portuguese Navy for their unwavering support to the Ghana Navy. He noted that the successful training programme and the donation of the boats represent a significant enhancement of the Navy's operational capability and training capacity. He further stated that the boats would be utilised effectively to strengthen maritime operations, improve practical training for personnel, and support the Ghana Navy's mandate of safeguarding Ghana's maritime domain.
Receiving the boats on behalf of the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Commodore Agambire assured the EU that the equipment would be properly maintained and deployed for its intended purpose. He reiterated the Ghana Navy's commitment to sustaining the partnership with the EU SWAIMS Programme and to making prudent use of the resources provided in support of maritime security.
The ceremony concluded with the formal handover of the boats, presentation of certificates to participants who successfully completed the Boat Operators Training Course, and a demonstration of the operational capabilities of the newly acquired boats, marking another milestone in the longstanding partnership between the EU, the EU SWAIMS Programme, and the Ghana Navy.
Story by: Rebecca Morkli
Pictures by: Sgt Ampomah Samuel
