Ghana has commissioned the Ghana Navy Ship (GNS) Pru into service at the Sekondi Naval Base. During the ceremony, the government also reaffirmed that the 2026 Budget provides for two Offshore Patrol Vessels. Officials said these steps will extend patrol endurance, strengthen maritime security, and protect national interests.
What was unveiled in Sekondi
Deputy Defence Minister Ernest Brogya Genfi presided over the commissioning and the consecration and presentation of national and Ghana Navy colours to the Western Naval Command. A “presentation of colours” is a formal handover of a unit’s ceremonial flags, which embody honour, loyalty, and unity. Genfi stressed that a coastal state’s defence posture remains incomplete without strong maritime safety and security. He linked the new ship and the colours to operational efficiency and institutional morale.
Ghana Navy GNS Pru expands reach
Chief of Naval Staff Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing said the addition of GNS Pru has already improved response times and readiness. He highlighted the need to counter complex and asymmetric maritime threats. “Asymmetric” refers to tactics used by adversaries who avoid direct conventional confrontation and exploit irregular methods. According to Bessing, the ship’s endurance and capability will help extend patrols, safeguard offshore resources, and support regional security efforts despite current resource constraints.
Two Offshore Patrol Vessels in 2026
Genfi noted that the 2026 Budget includes funding to acquire two Offshore Patrol Vessels designed for sustained operations. An Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) is a long-range patrol ship built for endurance, maritime law enforcement, surveillance, and presence missions in a country’s Exclusive Economic Zone. He said these OPVs will enhance the Navy’s ability to secure Ghana’s maritime domain and protect national interests once delivered.
Why this matters for Ghana
Ghana’s blue economy is growing. Offshore energy, fisheries, and trade routes require steady protection. The Navy must deter piracy, illegal fishing, and trafficking while supporting search and rescue. With GNS Pru now in service and two OPVs planned, authorities expect longer patrols and better coverage of the Gulf of Guinea. The goal is clear: maintain safe waters, secure offshore assets, and uphold the rule of law at sea.
Symbols, trust, and readiness
Commodore Samuel Ayelazono, Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, said the colours will remind sailors of the trust placed in them and the responsibility they carry. Genfi described the colours as among the highest symbols of national recognition. He urged personnel to keep the waters safe and let the colours inspire loyalty, discipline, and dedication to service.
Who attended and what comes next
The parade drew senior leaders, including the Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General William Agyapong, and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Eric Agyen-Frempong, as well as heads of sister security agencies and traditional and religious leaders. In the near term, the Navy will focus on using GNS Pru’s endurance to strengthen patrol cycles. Over the medium term, the planned OPVs are expected to lift overall capacity for sustained operations and improve maritime governance across Ghana’s waters.
