Naval Headquarters (NHQ) and Riverine Command held its annual West African Soldiers’ Social Activities (WASSA) on Friday 31 January 2025.
WASSA is a moment of togetherness and a platform for fostering camaraderie among personnel.
The Guest of Honour for the occasion, Rear Admiral Kofi Peter Faidoo (Rtd) said the event, is a period for reflection, celebration and learning from past experiences.
He advised personnel to uphold professional standards crucial for maintaining public trust and respect for Ghana Navy urging them to remain vigilant in safeguarding our waters.
Rear Admiral Faidoo (Rtd) cautioned them against illegal operations and unauthorized duties that could damage the reputation of the Service and Ghana Armed Forces at large.
In his address, the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Issah Adam Yakubu expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Officers, Ratings and Defence Civilian Staff for their unwavering support, commitment, professionalism and sacrifice towards achieving a common goal for the overall success of the Navy.
The CNS expressed gratitude to foreign partners for providing support in diverse ways mentioning some significant strides undertaken by them.
He said the state-of-the-art boat maintenance facility and two Defender class boats donated by the United States government have significantly enhanced the Navy’s operational efficiency.
The Vice Admiral added that the commissioning of a Forward Operating Base in Ezinlibo and GNS ACHIMOTA would enhance the maritime security and operational capability of the Ghana Navy.
The CNS was of the view that the commissioning of the Ship-in-a-Box project, establishment of the Ghana Navy Lodge, RIBY-WILLIAMS Senior Rate Mess and the recent commissioning of the LILL-MAY DIDRIKSEN Simulation Centre at the Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC) would enhance training of Naval personnel and maritime stakeholders.
The CNS also mentioned some ongoing projects including a 28-unit one-storey accommodation facility at NAVTRAC for instructors and a 16-unit prefabricated accommodation each for the Special Boat Squadron at the Eastern Naval Command and NAVTRAC.
In his welcome address, the Chief Staff Officer (CSO) at the NHQ, Commodore Bright Emmanuel Kojo Atiayao, said WASSA provides an opportunity to reflect on achievements and make future goals saying the year 2024 was significant for the Navy despite encountering some challenges.
The CSO stressed advancements in operational readiness, training capabilities and the welfare of personnel underscoring the continuous role the Navy plays in safeguarding its waters and borders of Ghana.
The event was climaxed with an all-male interdepartmental cooking competition with teams from the Administration, Logistics and Supply, Operations and Training Departments and the Navy Headquarters Unit.
After an intense one-and-a-half-hour cook-off, the Administration Department emerged the winner of the competition. The Department received items from sponsors of the event and a cash prize for their exceptional culinary skills. The other Departments also received items from sponsors.
Awards were presented to Chief Petty Officer Class 2 Ayesu Darko Isaac, Able Seaman Class 1 Mustapha Mumuni, Madam Lily Anyang and Mr Daniel Aboagye for their outstanding dedication to duty over the period. They each received an honorary citation and an undisclosed amount of money.
The sponsors of the event included Promasidor Ghana Limited, Free Style Enterprise, KA Ababio & Sons, Supremo Construction Limited and Cake Village.
Others were Deroy Cuisine, Point 5 Ventures, Magnum Computers and Steady Grip Limited.
