The Western Naval Command (WNC) has held a Valedictory Religious Service in honour of the out-going Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) who is also the 2 Garrison Commander, Commodore Samuel Walker at the Harry Seshie Shed Sekondi Naval Base on Sunday 16 October, 2022.
The Service which was under the theme “In all things give thanks” was officiated by the 2 Garrison Clergy and the sermon was preached by Bishop Francis Oppong-Ankomah (PhD).
In his address, the outgoing FOC was grateful to God and the Ghana Navy for the wisdom and support during his tenure in office. He noted that although his assumption of Command coincided with the period of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic which threw the nation into a quandary, the ingenuity, cooporation, hard work and sacrifice of all and sundry helped to surmount the deadly pandemic. He paid glowing tribute to the gallant Medical Professionals who were at the fore front of the fight against the disease.
He therefore acknowledged the contributions and efforts of persons and institutions that impacted his Command positively and made the daunting task more accommodating. He commended the Regional Minister for the political leadership required to navigate them out of the stormy waters and also for the support he accorded him in the discharge of his duties.
He took the opportunity to thank Officers, Ratings, Defence Civilian Staff and the whole Western Naval Command for their loyalty, support and sacrifices which were critical to the success of his Command. He encouraged them to give the same support to his successor. He was hopeful that his leadership had established a robust architecture that could withstand all challenges.
On his part, the Western Regional Minister, Hon Kwabena Okyere Darko Mensah, thanked God for the life of the outgoing FOC. He said his selfless, dedicated and committed service to the noble profession had not only been exemplary, but had also contributed to the upliftment of the Command and the Ghana Navy as a whole.
He noted that his leadership had fostered a good Civil-Military relationship which had gone a long way to strengthen the mutually beneficial relationship between the military and the civil populace in the Western Region.
He commended the wife of the FOC and family for their support towards him while he was in office as the FOC. He prayed to God to continue guiding and protecting him as he steps into a new appointment. He welcomed the incoming FOC, Commodore Emmanuel Ayensu Kwafo and wished him well.
