The Western Naval Command (WNC) of the Ghana Navy held a historic consecration ceremony for its official Colours at the Harry Seshie Drill Square, Naval Base Sekondi, on Tuesday, 10 February 2026. First of its kind, the event marked a significant milestone in the Command’s identity and tradition. The day also saw the commissioning of Ghana Navy Ship (GNS) PRU.
The consecration and presentation of Colours is a significant military tradition that symbolises loyalty, unity, heritage and national duty. It represents the authority of the Republic of Ghana, and a public declaration that the Ghana Navy stands ready to defend the nation, guided by tradition, strengthened by unity and committed to service.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Guest of Honour, Deputy Minister for Defence, Honourable Ernest Brogya Genfi, described the consecration and presentation of Colours as one of the highest forms of trust and recognition bestowed on a military formation. He noted that it reinforced the moral and constitutional foundations of military service.
Honourable Ernest Brogya Genfi pledged government’s commitment to further strengthening the Navy’s operational capacity, revealing that the 2026 Budget includes provisions for acquiring two (2) Offshore Patrol Vessels designed with the endurance required for sustained sea operations. Honourable Ernest Brogya Genfi also underscored the importance of commissioning GNS PRU, stating that the ship would enhance maritime patrols, protect offshore resources, combat illicit maritime activities and contribute to regional and international maritime security.
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing, noted that the ceremony renewed the sacred pledge of WNC to serve with professionalism, discipline and selfless devotion. He added that the commissioning of GNS PRU would strengthen the Navy’s operational capacity to respond to evolving and asymmetric maritime threats.
In his welcome address, the Flag Officer Commanding the Western Naval Command (FOC WNC), Samuel Ayelazono, mentioned that Colours symbolise identity, unity and loyalty, and represent the Command’s mandate to protect Ghana’s maritime interests. He added that the commissioning of GNS PRU marked a significant enhancement of the Ghana Navy’s maritime patrol and surveillance capabilities.
The ship, GNS PRU, was commissioned into active service with the handing over of a Commissioning Warrant signed by the President of the Republic of Ghana and Commander-In-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, to the Commanding Officer of GNS PRU, Lieutenant Commander Joshua Hughes Addison.
