The General Coordinator of the European Union Support to West Africa Integrated Maritime Security (EU SWAIMS) Programme, Commodore Antonio Neves Rodrigues, paid a courtesy call on the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Commodore James Adongo Agambire, on Tuesday 4 August 2026, at the NAVTRAC Headquarters, Nutekpor.The visit preceded the closing ceremony of the Ghana Navy Boat Operators Training Course, conducted by the Portuguese Navy under the auspices of the EU SWAIMS Programme, and was aimed at strengthening cooperation between NAVTRAC and the Programme while discussing ongoing efforts to enhance maritime security capacity within the Ghana Navy.
During the engagement, discussions centred on the progress of the Boat Operators Training Course, the importance of sustained international partnerships in maritime capacity building, and opportunities to deepen collaboration in support of professional military training and maritime security across the Gulf of Guinea.
Speaking during the visit, Commodore Antonio Neves Rodrigues commended the Ghana Navy and NAVTRAC for their commitment to professional training and the successful implementation of the SWAIMS-supported programme. He noted that building the capacity of maritime security institutions remains essential to addressing evolving maritime threats and reaffirmed the EU's commitment to supporting initiatives that promote regional cooperation, operational readiness, and safe and secure maritime spaces.
Receiving the delegation, the FOC NAVTRAC, Commodore James Adongo Agambire, welcomed Commodore Rodrigues and expressed appreciation to the EU, the EU SWAIMS Programme, and the Portuguese Navy for their continued support towards maritime training and capacity development. He observed that the partnership has significantly enhanced the professional competence of Ghana Navy personnel and contributed to strengthening the Command's training capabilities. The FOC further reaffirmed NAVTRAC's commitment to sustaining the collaboration and ensuring that the knowledge and skills acquired through the various training programmes translate into improved operational effectiveness.
The visit concluded with an exchange of souvenirs and a renewed commitment by both parties to deepen cooperation in maritime security training and capacity building in support of regional maritime stability and the strategic objectives of the Ghana Navy.
Story by: Rebecca Morkli
Pictures by: Sgt Ampomah Samuel
