Virginia E. Palmer, the U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, accompanied by the Chief of Defense Staff and high-ranking officers from the Ghana Navy, Ghana Armed Forces, and Ministry of Defense, has commissioned numerous of projects aimed at bolstering maritime security at Ghana Navy Training Command (NAVTRAC) in the Volta Region.
These U.S.-funded projects, totaling over $6 million, will enhance Ghana’s maritime security capabilities, crucial for safeguarding commercial activities in the Gulf of Guinea, including shipping and fishing.
Ambassador Palmer stated during the visit, “Our security assistance to the Ghana Armed Forces this year amounts to $48 million, including substantial support for the Ghana Navy. Piracy and illegal fishing in the Gulf of Guinea pose persistent threats to Ghana’s security and economic development. By ensuring better protection for shipping, we promote more reliable supply chains for the region and foster greater shared prosperity.”
The Ghana Navy Special Boat Squadron (SBS) will benefit from the $6.4 million U.S. funding, allowing them to expand their offshore capabilities. Additionally, NAVTRAC will receive training and naval infrastructure projects, which include:
Provision of two 38-foot DEFENDER Class Safe Boats for the SBS, accompanied by a U.S. Marine Forces Africa Equipping Kit.
Replacement of the NAVTRAC pontoon pier.
Construction of a mobile training camp to enable the SBS to train in diverse maritime environments.
Deployment of a persistent presence Engineering “Seabees” Detachment from U.S. Naval Forces Africa, responsible for completing naval infrastructure construction projects and providing technical support to their Ghana Navy counterparts.
Joint training opportunities, including the upcoming visit of a team of U.S. Special Operations Forces Africa Combat Divers to train alongside the SBS at NAVTRAC.
A joint project to construct new classroom space at the Nutekpor Basic School, located near NAVTRAC.
The United States and Ghana maintain a close partnership to address regional security concerns, engage in joint training exercises, and share best practices. Notably, the U.S. supported Ghana as the host for FLINTLOCK 23, a large-scale, multinational military exercise conducted by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM). This exercise included a historic first Maritime Special Operations Task Unit at NAVTRAC and participation in the African Lion and Obangame Express exercises.