Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has entreated personnel of the Ghana Navy to continue to collaborate with other maritime stakeholders and work hard to improve upon the country’s maritime security and preserve its territorial integrity.

She said a secured maritime domain would among other benefits provide an enabling environment for the blue economy to serve both the present and future generations, hence, the need for the Ghana Navy to work with bravery, loyalty, and commitment to achieve that goal.

She was speaking at the climax of a four-day Ghana Navy Memorial Day celebration and 35th Anniversary of the bombing of the Ghana Navy Ship (GNS) Yogaga in Liberia in September 1994.

The anniversary, held at the Sekondi Naval Base Ceremonial Jetty, was marked by a religious parade, and wreath-laying at the Western Naval Command Cenotaph.

It was attended by high-ranking dignitaries from the government, military, the clergy, traditional leaders, families of the departed, students, and others, and held on the theme: “Sacrifice, Service, and Sovereignty: Legacy of the Ghana Navy.”

Prof Opoku-Agyemang stated that the theme for the occasion spoke to the essence of Naval traditions including; steadfast duty, unyielding courage and patriotic vigilance in the defence of territorial integrity and national interests.

According to her, the lives of the fallen in the line duty should be a reminder that the nation’s sovereignty and freedom were hard won, and that their legacies were woven in the fabrics of the country’s history.

She noted that as the Navy celebrated past achievements, maintain ongoing projects, and look forward to more accomplishments, personnel must recommit to a future where the Ghana Navy would continue to thrive as a military institution and a symbol of national pride.

The Vice President commended the officers and ratings for their dedication and commitment to duty saying, “As a coastal nation, the preservation of Ghana’s security and sovereignty is incomplete without maritime security.

“Although the Gulf of Guinea faces various security threats, our domain remains relatively safe, and we owe this security to the Ghana Navy.”

Touching on challenges, Prof Opoku-Agyemang stated that the government had been made aware of the constraints faced by the Navy including insufficient platforms and facilities.

She, however, assured that government was exploring every avenue to better equip the Ghana Navy and tackle all challenges with the urgency they deserve to enhance their operational efficiency.

Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), asked active service personnel to take inspiration from the veterans who built the tradition of discipline and devotion to duty, and cemented a foundation for a strong Ghana Armed Forces.

He said that to further enhance the Navy’s operational capability, plans were advanced for the acquisition of additional offshore patrol vessels to aid personnel in protecting the country’s territorial waters.

He said: “These new assets would expand our reach, improve our ability to secure the maritime domain, and ensure that we are better prepared to counter both traditional and emerging threats.”