By Alex Ababio
In a ceremony yesterday, the United States Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia E. Palmer, officially handed over two 38-foot DEFENDER Class Safe Boats and a newly built boat storage facility to the Ghana Navy at their Training Command (NAVTRAC) in the Volta Region.
This contribution, worth over GH₵24 million ($1.5 million), is part of ongoing initiatives to enhance Ghana’s maritime security.
The boats are expected to strengthen the Ghana Navy’s capacity to patrol and protect its territorial waters.
These vessels are in addition to two others delivered to the Navy’s Special Boat Squadron last summer.
During the ceremony, Ambassador Palmer emphasized the significance of the U.S.-Ghana partnership, stating, “The United States is extremely proud of our long-standing relationship with Ghana, a bond grounded in our mutual dedication to security, democracy, and prosperity. This handover represents more than just a transfer of assets; it signifies our collective commitment to ensuring the Ghana Navy is well-prepared to protect its waters and maintain these vital resources.”
The newly completed boat storage facility was constructed by Seabees from the U.S. Navy’s 22nd Naval Construction Regiment, in collaboration with Marines from the Hershel Woody Williams Marine Detachment Engineer Platoon.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Issah Yakubu, along with senior officers from the Ghana Navy and the Ghana Armed Forces, attended the event.