The Legal Counsel to President John Dramani Mahama, Marietta Agyeiwaa Brew Appiah-Oppong, has said the government was committed to supporting the Ghana Navy and all security agencies in fulfilling their mandates. 

Ms Appiah-Oppong gave the assurance on behalf of President Mahama as a Special Guest during the commissioning of a state-of-the-art ‘Full Mission Bridge Simulator’ (FMBS facility) at the Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC) at Nutekpor near Sogakope in the Volta Region on Monday. 

“We acknowledge that maritime security is not just a matter of national defense, it is integral to the development of our blue economy; a vital component of our nation's growth so we will prioritise the development of the industry through training and policies that could boost our blue economy,” she said. 

The facility, worth over $370.000, comprises a 270-degree Full Mission Bridge Simulator, and three 120-degree Part-task simulators. 

The rest are a Briefing Room, Server Room, two Instructor Stations, and offices for instructors. 

The presence of the FMBS, the finest in the Sub-region, with a focus on improving the operational and training capacities of the Ghana Navy, also represented a leap forward for the Ghana Navy in their efforts to ensure the safety and security of the maritime domain. 

She said securing Ghana’s maritime space was fundamental to unlocking the full potential of the country’s blue economy. 

“Around the world, secured maritime spaces have led to thriving fisheries, increased maritime trade, and sustainable offshore energy projects. We are, therefore, determined to replicate this success in Ghana by creating opportunities for job creation, economic growth, and sustainable development,” she said. 

Ms Appiah-Oppong said the government would continue to prioritise the security and development of the maritime industry to position Ghana as a leader in Africa’s maritime domain. 

She disclosed that the NDC-led government was aware of an ongoing procurement process for two Offshore Patrol Vessels for the Ghana Navy and that “upon fully settling into office, we will thoroughly assess the contract details.” 

“Once satisfied, we will expedite their acquisition to augment the operational assets of the Navy. These vessels will bolster the Navy's capacity to secure our waters, protect our resources, and deter maritime crimes.” 

Ms Brew Appiah-Oppong said the government hoped to massively train interested youths in the seagoing industry to work offshore and in the fisheries industry to bolster the country’s economic growth as well as to export seafarers as done in the Philippines, India, and other maritime nations. 

The simulation centre would not just be a training facility for the Ghana Navy alone but a gateway to excellence, equipping seafarers with the knowledge and expertise required to excel in a fast-evolving industry.  

“I urge other industry players in Ghana and beyond to consider adopting simulation technologies to enhance practical training and workforce development.” 

She expressed gratitude to the Danish government for their unwavering support in the development of the Ghana Navy and the Ghana Armed Forces as a whole. 

“My heartfelt thanks to the Royal Danish government for their steadfast support, particularly Ambassador Tom Norring and Defence Attaché Lieutenant Colonel Lasse Sand for their continuous commitment to the Ghana Navy.” 

Ms Appiah-Oppong added that Denmark had been a trusted and invaluable partner, contributing significantly to strengthening of maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea. 

Commodore BO Overgaard, the Deputy Chief of Navy from the Royal Danish Navy, in an address, said Denmark was committed to working with their partners from Ghana to strengthen maritime security, maintain open trade routes, and protect fishery resources.  

Vice Admiral Issah Adam Yakubu, Chief of the Naval Staff, said the facility would significantly enhance their training programmes, among others, where personnel would master complex navigation and operational scenarios in a safe and controlled environment. 

Commodore Solomon Asiedu-Larbi, the Flag Officer Commanding, said NAVTRAC, since its establishment a decade ago, has witnessed steady development in its facilities.