The Ghana Navy has significantly enhanced its maritime capabilities with the donation of two Defender-class boats and a state-of-the-art storage facility from the United States (US).
The donation, valued at over 1.5 million US dollars, aims to strengthen the Ghana Navy's ability to combat maritime threats and ensure regional security.
At a handing-over ceremony, held at the Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Nutekpor on Friday 27 September 2024, the US Ambassador to Ghana, Her Excellency (HE) Virginia E Palmer said, the US takes immense pride in the long-standing partnership with Ghana, a partnership she described as rooted in shared commitments to security, democracy and prosperity. “This ceremony is more than just a handover, it symbolizes our joint efforts to ensure the Ghana Navy is well-equipped to safeguard its waters and sustain these critical assets,” she stated.
HE Virginia Palmer added that the donation is the latest embodiment of the tangible benefits of a robust US-Ghana security partnership. She commended Ghana’s role as a peace exporter and regional leader, with nearly 2,800 military and police personnel deployed across eight United Nations peacekeeping missions. As Ghana and the US approach presidential elections, the Ambassador called for collaboration to ensure the elections are peaceful, free from intimidation and reflect of the people’s will.
The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Rear Admiral Issah Adam Yakubu in his address, paid glowing tribute to his forebears for conceiving the idea of establishing NAVTRAC and the progressive developments that have taken place throughout their tenures.
The CNS revealed that the donations are part of the numerous equipment and facilities the US Government under the trilateral agreement, promised to donate to the Ghana Navy to enhance her Special Boat Squadron’s capabilities and operational reach. He added that within the past two years, the US government has donated four 38-foot boats with maintenance spares as well as communication sets, Visit Board Search and Seizure equipment, weapons and ammunition among others.
He extended his appreciation and that of the Minister for Defence, Hon Dominic Nitiwul to the Government of the US for their trust and confidence in the Ghana Navy’s ability to provide leadership within the region in the pursuit of safe and secure seas.
The Flag Officer Commanding NAVTRAC, Commodore Solomon Asiedu-Larbi conveyed the deepest gratitude of the command to the US Navy Seabees from the U.S. Navy’s 22nd Naval Construction Regiment and Marines from the Hershel Woody Williams Marine Detachment Engineer Platoon for their high sense of professionalism and the cordial relationship that transpired with the command throughout the construction of the storage facility.
The two Defender-class Boats were named “GNS ISSAH YAKUBU’, after the current CNS and “GNS DAVID HANSEN”, after the first CNS in recognition of their contributions to maritime security.
