Work to keep maritime domain safe - Commodore Obimpeh urges Navy
The Ghana Navy last Friday celebrated its 2019 West African Security Services Association (WASSA) get-together with a call on the personnel and officers to continue to work tirelessly to keep Ghana's maritime domain safe and secure.
"We are all aware of the general maritime insecurity that has bedeviled the Gulf of Guinea maritime environment. That notwithstanding, your tireless efforts have kept Ghana’s maritime domain relatively safe and secure for legitimate business to thrive," said a former Chief of Naval Staff, Commodore Stephen Obimpeh (retd).
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Anniversary
Commodore Obimpeh, who is also the President of the Association of Retired Naval Officers, said because of constant watch by personnel of the Ghana navy over Ghana's maritime domain, ships destined for ports in neighbouring countries preferred to wait in the country's waters until it was time for them to enter harbour.
Mr Obimpeh also commended them for the well-organised and highly successful celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the Ghana Navy.
He said notable among the anniversary activities were the launch of Ghana Navy’s History Book, the International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference and the anniversary ceremonial parade, saying he was happy all the events received wide media coverage.
“I have no doubt that the general populace are now better informed about the contributions of Ghana Navy to national development as well as her achievements and challenges,” he said.
He therefore urged all personnel to “stay on the right side of the law all the time,” and also called on the leadership to motivate those who distinguished themselves in their performance.
“Although you have all worked hard throughout the year, some have distinguished themselves and deserve a special pat on the back,” he said.
Commodore Obimpeh advised all retired personnel to join the relevant associations of retirees, for example, the Association of Retired Naval Officers (ARNO), Wives Association of Retired Naval Officers (WARNO), Retired Naval Personnel Association and other similar associations to continue the bonds of friendship and social support that they had developed while in service.
WASSA
The Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Seth Amoama, said efforts were in places to develop a navy that projected and sustained a highly professional, credible and dependable naval force capable of preventing aggression and maintaining total freedom at sea.
That, he said, was critical to Ghana's maritime security and economic prosperity and also to maintain the time tested tradition of the navy.
He listed some of the effort as including the development of a centre of excellence for training, acquiring new platforms to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the fleets of the navy.
“It is important to put our shoulders to the wheel as we sail into the future,” he said.
WASSA is a time where personnel of the security service come togther to make merry.
It is aslo used to take stock of activities throughout the year and restrategise for the year ahead.
During the 2019 WASSA of the Ghana Navy which took place at the forecourt of the navy headquarters, the personnel and officers in their white uniforms danced to tunes from the Super Blue Sea, a Ghana Navy band based in the Western Region.
The occasion was also used to reward six personnel for their outstanding performance during the celebration of the Ghana Navy at 60.
They received a citation, a shield and cash awards each.