Africa-Press – Ghana. The government has retooled the Ghana Navy with an additional River Class Ship to enhance its maritime presence and ensure operational efficiency.
The vessel christened the “Ghana Navy Ship (GNS) Pru,” was commissioned into the Navy Fleet during a parade to also consecrate and present the national, and Ghana Navy colours to the Western Naval Command, at the Sekondi Naval Base.
Mr Ernest Brogya Genfi, the Deputy Defence Minister, speaking during the ceremony said as a coastal state, Ghana’s defence architecture could not be complete without maritime safety and security, noting that the growth of the country’s blue economy made it imperative to safeguard its waters against threats.
He said it was, therefore, essential that the Ghana Navy was positioned to deliver effectively and efficiently on its mandate.
He stated that the vessel was not merely an addition to the Fleet, but also a strategic asset that would augment the Navy’s operational capacity and efficiency.
“With enhanced endurance and capability, GNS Pru will extend our reach, and thereby strengthen patrols, safeguard offshore resources, combat illicit maritime activities, and contribute to regional and international maritime security,” Mr Genfi noted.
Mr Ernest Brogya Genfi, the Deputy Defence Minister,The Deputy Defence Minister pledged the government’s commitment to strengthen the Navy’s operational capacity, adding that provision was made in the 2026 Budget for the acquisition of two Offshore Patrol Vessels with adequate endurance for sustained operations.
He said these vessels, when delivered, would significantly enhance the Navy’s ability to secure the country’s maritime domain, and protect the nation’s interests.
On the colours presentation, Mr Genfi noted that the presentation of colours to a military formation was among the highest symbols of national trust and recognition.
He said the colours embodied honour, loyalty, unity, and the enduring bond between the Armed Forces and the people they served, noting that the consecration, reinforced the moral and constitutional foundation upon which the military service rested.
He, therefore, urged the personnel to remain unrelenting in their efforts to keep the waters safe, and let the colours inspire their unwavering loyalty, discipline, and dedication to the service of the nation.
Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), said the addition of GNS Pru to the Fleet strengthened the Navy’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to increasingly complex and asymmetric maritime threats, even amidst resource constraints.
He said it was a manifestation of the government’s commitment to equipping the Navy with the platforms required to meet present and future challenges.
Commodore Samuel Ayelazono, the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command (WNC), said the colours received would serve as a constant reminder of the trust reposed in them, and the important responsibility on their shoulders.
The parade was attended by Lieutenant General William Agyapong, the Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), Air Vice Marshall Eric Agyen-Frempong, Chief of Air Staff, other members of the military high command, heads of sister security agencies in the Western Region, and traditional and religious leaders among others.
