Ghana Navy receives EU-supported maritime equipment to enhance operational readiness

The Ghana Navy has received four Honda Outboard Motors (OBMs) and 10 sets of scuba diving equipment from the European Union (EU) through its EU Support Programme to strengthen its operational readiness and enhance maritime security operations in the Gulf of Guinea.

The equipment was presented to the Naval Logistics Command (NAVLOC) during a brief ceremony held at the forecourt of the Naval Shipyard Complex in Sekondi on Thursday.

The donation was made under the Foreign Intelligence Assistance Programme (FIAP), Assistance Measure Project, an initiative aimed at supporting the operational capabilities of Navies and Military personnel of coastal states engaged in maritime security operations across the Gulf of Guinea.

The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Naval Logistics Command, Commodore Eric Osei, expressed profound appreciation to the European Union for its continued support.

He stated that outboard motors and scuba diving equipment would significantly improve the Navy's operational efficiency, particularly in anti-piracy operations, maritime surveillance, search and rescue missions, and underwater operations.

Commodore Osei reaffirmed the Ghana Navy's commitment to maintaining a safe and secure maritime environment and assured the donors that the equipment would be used effectively to advance the Navy's mandate.

The Director of Special Projects at Ghana Navy Headquarters, Commander Kwadwo Nyarko Ansong, disclosed that the donation constitutes the first phase of a broader support package under the FIAP Assistance Measure Project, with additional assistance expected to strengthen the Ghana Navy's operational capabilities further.

Colonel Gallardo Miguel of the Royal Spanish Marine Corps, during his presentation, described the donation as a demonstration of the enduring partnership between the European Union and the Ghana Navy.

He emphasised that the support was intended to enhance the Navy's capacity to combat piracy, illegal maritime activities, and other transnational threats while contributing to the protection of maritime resources in the region.