Exercise Grand African NEMO 2024 has been officially launched at a brief ceremony held at the headquarters of the Multinational Maritime Coordination Centre (MMCC) Zone F, Osu Castle on Monday 4 November 2024.The exercise aims to enhance cooperation among regional naval forces and address the alarming rise of piracy and other transnational maritime crimes.
The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Rear Admiral Issah Adam Yakubu, in a speech read on his behalf by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, Commodore Emmanuel Ayesu Kwafo, emphasised the importance of such collaborative exercises. He said through multinational exercises like the Grand African NEMO and other concerted national, regional and international efforts, the Gulf of Guinea region (GoG), including the Zone F maritime domain, has experienced a drastic decline in transnational maritime crimes.
Rear Admiral Yakubu highlighted the complex nature of transnational crimes and criminal networks that makes it imperative for all nations to collaborate and coordinate their efforts through partnerships. He added that one of the cardinal objectives of this year’s exercise is to help consolidate the gains made in the collaborative efforts that have led to effective information-sharing, interoperability, trust building and ensuring safety and security in the GoG and Zone F maritime space in particular.
The CNS thanked the French Government for the Yaoundé Architecture Regional Information System (YARIS) initiative, emphasising the critical role it plays, not only for exercises but also for real-time information sharing and coordination at sea. He urged participating countries and agencies to show keen interest in the exercise. 
The French Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Jules Armond Aniambossou underscored the importance of international cooperation in combating piracy and ensuring maritime security in West Africa. Reiterating France’s dedication to supporting West African nations, the Ambassador stated, “We are committed to helping build the capacity of regional navies. Together, we can develop the tools and training necessary to tackle piracy and transnational crime effectively.”
The exercise, which will run from 4-11 November 2024, involves naval forces from twenty-eight nations including all the nations of the Gulf of Guinea. Participating navies will engage in a series of simulated scenarios designed to test and improve their response to piracy, smuggling, and illegal fishing.
