President Akufo-Addo Commissions Forward Operating Base at Ezinlibo And GNS Achimota in Western Region  

President Akufo-Addo Commissions Forward Operating Base at Ezinlibo And GNS Achimota in Western Region

The President of Ghana and Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has commissioned Ghana’s largest Forward Operating Base (FOB) at Ezinlibo in the Jomoro Municipality and the Ghana Navy Ship (GNS) Achimota at the Sekondi Naval Base, both situated in the Western Region.

Delivering an address at the commissioning ceremony of the Forward Operating Base, the President highlighted the strategic importance of establishing FOBs as part of the Ghana Armed Forces’ expansion and modernization agenda.

He emphasized that the creation of the Base is a direct response to the evolving security challenges within the Gulf of Guinea, as well as Ghana’s commitment to safeguarding its economic interests, including offshore oil and gas fields.

 

According to President Akufo-Addo, the Ezinlibo FOB will enhance the Ghana Navy’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to maritime security threats, accidents, and other incidents, ensuring the protection of Ghana’s territorial waters and economic assets.

At the commissioning of the Ghana Navy Ship Achimota at the Sekondi Naval Base, the President reiterated his administration’s dedication to transforming and modernizing the Ghana Navy. He underscored the significant milestones achieved under his leadership, which have strengthened the nation’s maritime security and advanced its development objectives.

He further noted that the modernization efforts have included the acquisition of over 20 cutting-edge platforms for the Ghana Navy. These include four Offshore Security Vessels, two Boundary Class Ships, Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boats, Zodiac Boats, and the newly commissioned GNS Achimota, which is described as a landmark addition to Ghana’s maritime defence fleet.

The Defence Minister, Hon. Dominic Nitiwul, in his remarks, said the Base is said to be the first of its kind since the construction of the Sekondi Naval Base in the 1960s. It is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including a breakwater, a jetty for berthing ships and office spaces.

Additionally, the Base is equipped with accommodation for over 1000 troops and modern training facilities among others. It will interest you to know that the Forward Operating Base Ezinlibo is the largest defence project in the history of Ghana.

 

Story by Gifty Badu Boakye