The Ghana Navy has welcomed a new addition to its fleet with the arrival of the Ghana Navy Ship (GNS) Achimota, which docked at the Sekondi Naval Base on Saturday 21 December 2024.
The vessel, which is expected to enhance the Ghana Navy's maritime security and patrol capabilities, was greeted with excitement by Officers, Ratings and Defence Civilian Staff at the Western Naval Command, Sekondi.
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Issah Adam Yakubu in his remarks said, the arrival of the vessel marks a significant milestone in the Ghana Navy's efforts to modernise its fleet and improve its ability to protect the country's maritime interests.
The CNS commended and congratulated the Commanding Officer GNS Achimota, Commander Joshua Joy MacSimpiney and the ship's crew for successfully completing the longest passage in Ghana Navy's History, by crossing the equator two times at the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. "GNS Achimota is not just a ship, but it is a beacon of hope", he stated.
The single-screw fixed pitch propeller diesel-powered vessel is equipped with modern technology and advanced navigation and communication systems, as well as cutting-edge surveillance capabilities.
GNS Achimota began her maiden voyage from Yawatahama Port in Japan under the command of Cdr MacSimpiney on 18 October 2024 and finally arrived at the Sekondi Naval Base on 21 December, 2024 having been at sea for 36 days and covering a distance of 10,869.7 nautical miles. The ship will be employed in the Ghana Navy fleet among others for fisheries protection duties and as a training vessel for both Officers and Ratings.
