President Akufo-Addo Commissions Major Naval Base and Largest Domestically Built Ship

Ghana took a significant leap forward in bolstering its territorial and maritime security with the commissioning of two major assets on December 23rd, 2024, under the leadership of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. The commissioning of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) at Ezinlibo, the largest naval base in the country by infrastructure, and the Ghana Navy Ship (GNS) Achimota, the largest ship ever built in Ghana, signals a strong commitment to safeguarding Ghana’s maritime domain and combating transnational crimes in the Gulf of Guinea. These landmark events mark a considerable expansion of Ghana’s naval capabilities and position the nation as a key player in maritime security in the region.

The Forward Operating Base at Ezinlibo represents a strategic enhancement of the Ghana Navy’s operational capacity. Located at a critical point in the country’s coastal area, this facility will significantly improve the Navy’s ability to address complex security challenges in the Gulf of Guinea. These challenges include rampant piracy, illegal fishing activities, and other forms of transnational crime that pose significant threats to regional stability and economic security. The Ezinlibo base joins a growing network of Forward Operating Bases located throughout Ghana, including those at Tilli, Bui, Sankore, and Kenyase. Further plans are underway to establish similar bases in Keta, Ada, Winneba, and Elmina, reflecting a sustained effort to strengthen national security through increased naval presence.

The second significant milestone was the commissioning of the Ghana Navy Ship (GNS) Achimota at the Sekondi Naval Base. Described by President Akufo-Addo as a “symbol of the evolution of our Navy, and as a marker of sixty-five (65) years of resilience, service, and growth,” GNS Achimota is the largest ship ever constructed in Ghana, measuring an impressive 65 meters. Its commissioning marks a historic achievement for Ghana’s shipbuilding capabilities. The GNS Achimota joins a fleet of over 20 modern platforms acquired under the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration, including Offshore Security Vessels and advanced radar systems. These acquisitions demonstrate Ghana’s firm commitment to modernizing its naval forces and its ambition to emerge as a future hub of maritime trade in West Africa.

The commissioning of the FOB Ezinlibo and GNS Achimota represents a strategic alignment of infrastructure and technology to provide comprehensive maritime security. The combination of land-based facilities and advanced naval vessels demonstrates a multi-faceted approach to safeguarding Ghana’s coastal areas and territorial waters. By investing in its naval capabilities, Ghana is sending a strong signal about its commitment to protecting its resources, combating illicit activities, and fostering a safe and secure maritime environment. The events of December 23rd, 2024, signify a significant stride towards enhancing national security, promoting economic stability, and positioning Ghana as a leader in maritime security within the West African region.