The Department of Legal Services of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has engaged with students of the University of Ghana School of Law to educate them and the citizenry on the roles of military lawyers and their contributions to national development.

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Speaking at the 50th Anniversary Legal Workshop held at the University premises, the Director Legal Operations GAF

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Commander Rubby Ann Renner, explained the Department's responsibilities, including advising military command playing prosecutor roles in service tribunals, offering legal aid and educating personnel.

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She emphasised the legal framework concerning national security, defence policies, and international military agreements.

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She also encouraged students to intern with the Department, make clarifications on military-related legal matters and opportunities in military law.

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Meanwhile, the Ghana Navy, in collaboration with the Danish Government, has inaugurated a cutting-edge Maritime Simulation Centre at the Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC) in Nutekpor.

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The ceremony, held on Monday, January 27, revealed the shared commitment to strengthening maritime security and operational capacity in the Gulf of Guinea.

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The facility funded by the Danish government, which is named the Lill-May Didriksen Simulation Centre in honor of the first female officer in the Royal Danish Navy, boasts advanced technological features, including a 270-degree Full Mission Bridge Simulator, three 120-degree Part-Task Simulators, two Instructor Stations, briefing and server rooms, as well as offices for instructors.

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Speaking at the event, Ms. Marietta Brew-Oppong, Legal Counsel to the President of Ghana and Guest of Honour, lauded Denmark's longstanding support for Ghana’s maritime sector. She acknowledged Denmark's instrumental role in combating piracy and maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea, which she described as a vital global trade corridor.

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“Thanks to international efforts and partnerships like this, we have seen significant improvements in combating piracy and maritime crimes,” she remarked. Ms. Brew-Oppong expressed confidence that the facility would enhance maritime training and bolster the Ghana Navy’s capabilities.

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The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Issah Adam Yakubu, underscored the transformative potential of the centre, describing it as a “game-changer” for the Navy’s training programmes. He noted that the advanced simulation technology would allow personnel to master complex navigation and operational scenarios in a controlled environment, thereby improving readiness and safety.

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“This project represents a leap forward in Ghana’s maritime domain,” Vice Admiral Yakubu stated, while also acknowledging Denmark’s steadfast support over the years.

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He highlighted other Danish-backed initiatives, including the UNODC-supported "Ship-in-a-Box" facility for regional maritime training and the construction of a world-class swimming pool with diving capabilities for the Navy.

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Adding his voice, the Deputy Chief of Navy of the Royal Danish Navy, Commodore BO Overgaard, reaffirmed Denmark’s commitment to addressing security challenges in the Gulf of Guinea. He emphasized the importance of partnerships in tackling issues such as piracy, illegal fishing, and armed robbery, which threaten trade and regional stability.

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“The Bridge Simulator is an advanced piece of technology that reflects the trust and collaboration between our nations,” Commodore Overgaard stated, describing the project as a model for sustainable development that enhances safety and prosperity in Ghana and the region.

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The facility also allows for effective training without taking operational ships out of service, a feature Commodore Overgaard described as key to improving efficiency and readiness.

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Commodore Solomon Asiedu-Larbi, Flag Officer Commanding NAVTRAC, highlighted the Simulation Centre’s role in positioning NAVTRAC as a center of excellence for maritime training in Ghana and beyond. He credited years of meticulous planning and collaboration for bringing the project to fruition.

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“This venture solidifies NAVTRAC’s reputation as a leader in maritime training, and we are deeply grateful to Denmark for their invaluable contribution and to the CNS for his visionary leadership,” he added.

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The Maritime Simulation Centre is expected to significantly enhance Ghana’s maritime security efforts, ensuring operational readiness and contributing to the broader goal of securing the Gulf of Guinea’s critical trade routes.

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