Ghana Navy commemorated the 12th Memorial Day Anniversary at the Cenotaph, Sekondi Naval Base, on Monday 14 September 2026, to honour its fallen heroes who lost their lives in the line of duty. Speaking as the Guest of Honour on behalf of the Western Regional Minister, Honourable (Hon) Joseph Nelson, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA), Hon Lawyer Frederick Faidoo, said remembrance was not merely a ceremonial obligation but a national responsibility. He noted that a nation that honoured its heroes preserved its history, strengthened its values and inspired future generations. He said the occasion also provided an opportunity to reflect on the vital role of the Ghana Navy in safeguarding the nation's interests, particularly as the sea remained a gateway for trade, a source of livelihood and an important pillar of national development.
Hon Faidoo observed that despite the complex security challenges confronting the Gulf of Guinea, Ghana's maritime domain remained one of the most secure in the region, largely due to the hard work, dedication and professionalism of the Ghana Navy. On behalf of the Government of Ghana, he thanked the families of the fallen heroes. He commended Officers, sailors and Defence Civilian Staff of the Ghana Navy for their unwavering commitment to duty.
Delivering the welcome address, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command (WNC), Commodore Stephen Billins Nyam, described the solemn occasion as a moment of remembrance, gratitude and reflection, providing an opportunity for personnel to renew their pledge to uphold the ideals and values for which the fallen heroes laid down their lives. Commodore Nyam said the year's commemoration marked 36 years since the tragic bombing of GNS YOGAGA in Liberia, describing the incident as a painful chapter in the history of the Ghana Navy.
He noted that precious lives were lost in the pursuit of regional peace and security and said that, in remembering those personnel, the Navy also honoured all members of the Ghana Armed Forces who had paid the ultimate price in the line of duty, both at sea and on land, at home and abroad.
The FOC emphasised that the personnel being honoured were people who answered an extraordinary call when duty demanded it. He stressed the need to institutionalise the Navy Memorial Day to preserve the sacrifices and legacies of fallen heroes and pass their values on to future generations.
Wreaths were laid in memory of the fallen heroes. The first wreath was laid on behalf of the Government and people of Ghana, while the second was laid on behalf of the Chief of the Defence Staff for personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces.
The third and final wreath were laid on behalf of the Chief of the Naval Staff in honour of Officers, Ratings and Defence Civilian Staff of the Ghana Navy, as well as the families of the fallen heroes respectively.
Story by: Nana Kofi Agyeman
Photos by: AC1 Ankomah Robert Peters
