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President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has commissioned a new Forward Operating Base for the Ghana Navy at Ezinlibo in the Jomoro Municipality of the Western Region.
The Base, with its strategic location, would serve as a logistics hub to sustain the Navy’s maritime operations, which would enable them to maintain a constant presence in the country’s maritime domain to protect its critical offshore oil and gas installations.
President Akufo-Addo, speaking at a ceremony to commission the project, said it was in fulfilment of a promise he made during the graduation ceremony of Ghana Military Academy Officer Cadets in 2018.
He added that it was also part of his government’s efforts of retooling and modernising the Ghana Armed Forces to protect the territorial integrity of Ghana.
He stated that the idea of establishing Forward Operating Bases across parts of the country played a key role in the strategic direction of the Ghana Armed Forces expansion drive and the projection of force into every corner of the country, to defend Ghana’s territory.
President Akufo-Addo noted that the conceptualisation of the Base at Ezinlibo was a direct response to the evolving security dynamics in the Gulf of Guinea and government’s growing commitment to protecting Ghana’s economic assets, including the offshore oil fields.
Over time, it became clear that a strategically positioned, highly capable facility was required to enhance the Navy’s readiness and posture, he said.
He said: “This base has been constructed to the highest standards, and it now represents a critical component of Ghana’s national defence infrastructure.
The President, thus, expressed appreciation to various stakeholders, including the Western Nzema Traditional Council for their support in ensuring that project saw light of day.
Rear Admiral Issah Adam Yakubu, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), said the Base had a harbour, accommodation blocks for more than 1,000 personnel, and administration block among other facilities that were integral part of a military base.
He said the Base, strategically located at the Western maritime corridor of Ghana, would provide a vital forward base to safeguard the country’s oil and gas installations, and the Navy’s operational response in that critical area.
He expressed gratitude to President Akufo-Addo for his unwavering commitment in transforming the Ghana Navy, saying under his leadership, they had witnessed significant progress in fleet renewal, infrastructural development and personnel welfare.
Source: myghanadaily
