The US has pledged to invest $48 million this year to help train and equip the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) to combat piracy and illegal fishing in the Gulf of Guinea.

The US Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, said the US was committed to supporting Ghana's efforts to ensure a safe and secure maritime domain for the benefit of the entire region.

“We know security threats don’t just come from the Sahel; piracy and illegal fishing in the Gulf of Guinea pose persistent threats to the nation’s prosperity,” she said.

She was speaking at a ceremony to commission new structures and equipment for the Special Boat Squadron (SBS) of the Ghana Navy at the Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC) at Nutekpor, near Sogakope in the Volta Region last Friday.

The US provided the SBS with two interceptor vessels – 38” Defender Class Safe Boats, named “Kofi Faidoo” and “Seth Amoama”, worth $6.4 million, as well as a replacement of a landing jetty known as pontoon pier.

Ms Palmer also cut the sod for the construction of an SBS Mobile Training Camp, which will be supported by the first persistent Engineering Detachment (Seabees) to work on naval infrastructure projects in Ghana.

Other projects include the construction of an SBS boat storage facility and other infrastructural developments.

In addition, Ms Palmer said the US had donated two patrol ships to Ghana, which would be commissioned later this year.

She also said that a team of US Special Operations Forces Africa Combat Divers would visit NAVTRAC to conduct a joint exchange training with the SBS.

“Our partnership has never been stronger, the Ghana Navy Special Boat Squadron programme is thriving, and Ghana’s maritime security is being fortified,” she added.

She further said that Ghana-US relations were productive and mutually beneficial, and that the US would continue to work with Ghana as a leader in West Africa on regional security, inclusive economic development and protection of democratic institutions.

Danish support

Meanwhile, the Danish Ambassador to Ghana, Tom Norring, also inaugurated a mobile camp at NAVTRAC, which was donated by his country and valued at about €1million.

The structures were transported from Mali to Ghana about a year ago.

Mr Norring stressed the importance of enhancing capacity within the maritime domain and assured his country's readiness to support initiatives that would promote maritime security.

Appreciation

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Vice Admiral Seth Amoama, expressed gratitude to the US and Denmark for their assistance, which he said would strengthen the friendship between Ghana and the two countries.

“This act of goodwill and generosity reflects their deep commitment to promoting peace and security in our maritime domain and the Gulf of Guinea in general,” he said.

He said the structures and equipment donated would enhance the capability and efficiency of the SBS and protect them from hazards in their operations.

The Flag Officer Commanding NAVTRAC, Commodore Bright Emmanuel Kofi Atiayao, also described the gesture from their benefactors as heart-warming.

A new three-unit classroom block for Nutekpor DA Basic School, sponsored by the US government, was also inaugurated.