The French Defence Attaché (DA) to Ghana, Colonel (Col) Madelin has pledged to strengthen maritime cooperation with the Ghana Navy, a move aimed at boosting regional security in the Gulf of Guinea.
Col Madelin made this commitment when he paid a courtesy call on the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Rear Admiral Issah Adam Yakubu at the Naval Headquarters on Thursday 26 September 2024.
The French DA expressed appreciation for the warm reception and added that he was deeply honoured to serve as the permanent France DA to Ghana. He emphasised the need for cooperation in maritime security, training, and defense technology.
The CNS welcomed the decision, highlighting the Ghana Navy's readiness to collaborate and leverage the French Navy's expertise. Rear Admiral Yakubu indicated that the partnership with the French Navy is crucial in addressing shared security concerns in the Gulf of Guinea. “The French Navy has indeed been supportive of the Ghana Navy”. He said.
Rear Admiral Yakubu thanked the French Government for all the support to the Ghana Navy including the French laboratory at the Leadership Training School in Tema. He added that the laboratory will enhance the learning of French that can facilitate communication and collaboration with French-speaking countries. This, he said was a testament to the strong partnership between France and Ghana.
The CNS also called for more information sharing between the European Union's Coordinated Maritime Presence (CMP) and the Ghana Navy to help address maritime security threats. The CMP concept promotes shared awareness, analysis, and information sharing among EU member states.
The DA was accompanied by the French Liaison Officer, Lieutenant Col Capdeville and the Assistant DA, Warrant Officer Class one Pusceddu. Also present at the meeting were the Chief Staff Officer at the Naval Headquarters, Commodore (Cdre) Bright Emmanuel Kojo Atiayao, Deputy Chief Staff Officer, Operations and Training, Cdre Nyam and the Director, Naval Intelligence, Commander Philip Odoi Narh.
Rear Admiral Yakubu presented a plaque to the DA also decorated him with a custom-made Ghana Navy Kente stole to strengthen ties between the two countries.
