Chinese government has presented four defender boats to the Western Naval Command as part of effort to re-equip the Ghana Navy to fight maritime threats in the country’s territorial waters.
The presentation formed part of a framework of bilateral security cooperation between China and Ghana for peace and security.
The new vessels, which can contain six crew is fitted with modern navigational and communication equipment with standard armories to fight poaching, narcotic trafficking piracy and robbery on the nation’s territorial waters.
The Chinese Ambassador to Ghana H.E Madam Sun Baohong speaking at the commissioning ceremony bemoaned the rising cases of maritime crimes on the shores of the Gulf of Guinea.
She noted: “Piracy on the Gulf of Guinea has continuously threatened Ghana’s shipping and economic fortunes and security, however, the Chinese government is willing to positively participate in the international anti-piracy cooperation with Ghana to tackle all forms maritime crimes”.
The Chief of the Naval Staff Rear Admiral Peter Kofi Faidoo asserted that, with the persistent increase in activities within the oil and gas sector, the four vessels will enhance effective patrol of the nation’s maritime borders and curb related maritime threats.
“The four vessels will augment the Ghana navy’s fleet and our operational capability and our effectiveness is set to be enhanced in executing the mission of ensuring a safe, secure and clean maritime domain for the benefit of our nation”, he said
He extended the Navy’s gratitude to the Chinese government for their kind gesture and assured that “Ghana Navy will put the boats to good use and maintain them for a long service life”.
Story: From Simon Ahensah, ATV, Western Region
