Ghana participates in annual multinational maritime security exercise

0

Ghana Navy

Two Ghanaian Naval vessels ? ?Yaa Asantewaa,? and ?BLIKA,? are in Lagos to participate in exercise ?Obangame Express 2014,? an annual multinational maritime security exercise which takes place in the Gulf of Guinea.

A statement signed by Major E. N. Asamoah, Deputy Director Information and Press Relations, Ghana Navy and copied to the GNA on Wednesday said the exercise started on April 10 and will end on April 23.

According to the statement the exercise started in Lagos where pre-sail shore based preparations took place.

Other aspect of the exercises includes sea phase and post exercise debrief as well as a media event.

The statement said the objective of the exercise included the conduct of Maritime Interdiction Operations against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, illicit drugs and cargo as well as illegal bunkering.

The exercise was planned over this period to indicate the international criminal gangs who have been operating in the region that those in charge of maritime security, together with their international partners are not prepared to relent in their fight against maritime crimes.

It is also to re-assure the world and the people in the sub-region that the navies and coast guards in the Gulf of Guinea are not prepared to rest on their oars until they overcome all acts of maritime insecurity.

It said participants would also conduct communication drills, develop and test interoperability in the Maritime Operations Centers of the countries in the Gulf of Guinea.

Ships and military personnel from 22 different countries across the globe whose purpose it is to make the Gulf of Guinea a more secure maritime environment are taking part in the exercise, the statement stated.

The statement said participants were drawn from the United States of America, Brazil, some European countries as well as West, Central and Southern African countries.

BLIKA is under the command of Lieutenant Commander Victor Oppong Fianko with Lieutenant Commander Kwame Yirenkyi, Commanding Yaa Asantewaa and they are expected back by 24 April 2014. GNA

Send your news stories to [email protected] Follow News Ghana on Google News

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here