The Naval Headquarters and Riverine Command have held their End of Year West Africa Soldiers Social Activities (WASSA) on Thursday, 1 December 2022 at the forecourt of the Naval Headquarters Office Complex, Burma Camp.
WASSA is a significant event on the calendar of the Ghana Armed Forces as it serves as a unifying platform to make merry and promote espirit de corps amongst personnel. It is also a time to reflect on previous activities, hence creating an avenue for exploration for the coming year.
This year’s celebration was remarkable as it was the first in three years due to the ramification of the COVID 19 pandemic which necessitated a ban on the annual celebration.
Rear Admiral Peter Kofi Faidoo (Rtd) expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Rear Admiral Issah Adam Yakubu for the honour bestowed on him as the Guest of Honour for the first WASSA at the Naval Headquarters after its resumption.
He mentioned that since his retirement from service, he had followed the activities of the Ghana Navy keenly, and was elated on the successes chalked in the past years amidst global challenges.
Rear Admiral Faidoo(Rtd) acknowledged the efforts of the Chief of the Defence Staff(CDS) Vice Admiral Seth Amoama for his numerous achievements since his assumption as the CDS, and also eulogized the CNS for his vision of modernizing the fleet by leveraging on technology to enhance operations in the Ghana Navy.
He applauded personnel for their hardwork and dedication and urged all to remain discipline and loyal while upholding the laws of the country. He also cautioned personnel to be circumspect in their utterances and actions especially during these trying economic situations.
The Director Naval Administration (DNA), Capt (GN) John Bekuin-Wurapa who delivered the Christmas message on behalf of the CNS, said despite the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic globally, the resilience, hardwork and loyalty of personnel had ensured a peaceful social environment.
He stressed on some remarkable achievements by the Ghana Navy, including the addition of four (4) new offshore security vessels to the fleet, launch of the Ghana Navy paperless system, the development of the Special Boat Squadron into a world class all terrain Special Forces amongst others.
Capt GN Bekuin-Wurapa also revealed that the construction of a Forward Operating Base at Ezilinbo in the Western Region was progressing steadily and is expected to be completed in early 2024. “These major projects would be transformational in the Ghana Navy and we can only look into the future with hope,” he added.
DNA also stressed that by the end of the year over eight- hundred (800) recruits would be added to the strength of the Ghana Navy, which is by far the highest number of recruits ever trained by the Ghana Navy in a year.
The DNA on behalf of CNS commended personnel for their loyalty, vigilance and dedication towards work amidst the daunting task and challenges faced and urged all to continue to maintain a professional posture in the discharge of their duties.
He also expressed his appreciation to spouses and families for their immense support throughout the year, reminding all to bear the thought of colleagues and loved ones who were called to eternity during the course of the year, as well as bear colleagues serving on different assignments in the interest of the country in prayer.
Preceding the WASSA was a health walk and fun games which was organized on Tuesday, 29 November 2022 to enhance fitness of personnel and provide a source of entertainment amongst all and sundry.
