The Deputy Minister for Defence, Mr Ernest Brogya Genfi, has urged the international community to step up support for Ghana and its neighbours in tackling rising maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea.
Speaking during a visit to the French Navy offshore patrol vessel Commandant Bouan at the Port of Tema on Wednesday, the Deputy Minister expressed concern about the increasing number of high-sea robberies targeting artisanal fishermen.
He noted that maritime insecurity, much like terrorism in the sub-region, remains a shared threat requiring collective action.
Mr Genfi reaffirmed Ghana’s strong military ties with France and commended ongoing technical support and joint exercises. He stressed the need for advanced surveillance equipment and sustained cooperation to strengthen Ghana’s capacity to safeguard its territorial waters.
The French vessel, commanded by Lieutenant Commander Damien Tocquer, has been operating in Ghana’s waters to enhance maritime security and strengthen naval cooperation. It has already conducted joint counter-piracy patrols with the Ghana Navy and will undertake further training to improve interoperability and operational effectiveness.
With a crew of 104 personnel, the 83-metre vessel arrived from Gabon and will remain in Ghanaian waters until March 6, 2026, before sailing to Guinea-Conakry.
Margaret Adjeley Sowah, ISD
