A 22-member delegation from the National Defence College of Tanzania has paid a working visit to the Chief of Naval Staff of the Ghana Navy as part of efforts to deepen institutional cooperation between the two countries in defence training and maritime security.
The delegation, led by the Commandant of the College, Major General Wilbert Augustin Ibuge, engaged with senior Ghana Navy leadership on areas including student and senior directing staff exchanges, knowledge sharing, and strengthening long-standing bilateral relations between Ghana and Tanzania.
Speaking during the engagement, the Deputy Chief Staff Officer in charge of Naval Policy and Plans, Captain (GN) Douglas Akotey, delivered a presentation on the theme: “The Role of the Ghana Navy in Managing Ghana’s Natural Resource Wealth and Potential Areas of Conflict with Local and Foreign Parties.”
He explained that the Ghana Navy plays a critical role in protecting the country’s territorial waters, safeguarding offshore assets, and supporting national economic development through maritime security operations.
Captain Akotey noted that the Navy works closely with institutions such as the Ghana Maritime Authority, the Marine Police Service, and other stakeholders to enhance surveillance and enforcement in the maritime domain.
He identified illegal fishing, piracy, illegal bunkering, unauthorised exploitation of marine resources, and territorial disputes involving both local and foreign actors as key security concerns within Ghana’s waters.
According to him, the Navy continues to address these threats through sustained patrols, intelligence-led operations, and inter-agency collaboration aimed at ensuring the sustainable management of Ghana’s marine resources.
He added that these efforts are critical to protecting strategic national assets, including fisheries and offshore oil and gas installations, which contribute significantly to the country’s economic growth.
Judith Twumwaa, ISD
