One of the Ghanaian Navy’s new Flex fighter vessels (GNS Ankobra) sailed to Onne, Rivers state to take part in joint operations with the Nigerian Navy from 26 May to 1 June.
GNS Ankobra will take part in an exercise as part of measures to bring to bear the cumulative strengths of the Navies of the Gulf of Guinea and those along the Eastern and Southern African Coastline on Thursday, 26 May 2022.
GNS Ankobra was captained by the first female commanding officer of the Ghanaian Navy, Lt Cmd Priscilla Ami Dogbeda Dzokoto.
The team upon arrival was welcomed by the Chief Staff Officer (CSO) Eastern Naval Command (ENC) Nigeria Navy, Rear Admiral MG Oamen for the successful journey. He commended the Commanding Officer for the high level of professionalism displayed in leading the team to Nigeria.
He added that amidst the challenges in sailing she was able to thrive as a female and urged her to be proud of her accomplishment as the first female commanding officer of a Ghana Navy Ship.
Ghana this January received four brand new 40 meters flex fighter vessels to enhance maritime security and protect its domain.
The four vessels (GNS) Volta, Densu, Pra, and Ankobra arrived on board a merchant’s vessel BBC Nile over the weekend from Singapore’s Penguin Shipyard.
The 40 meters Flex Fighter known as River class in Ghana is based on Singaporean Penguin Shipyard’s Flex 40 series of crew boats but fitted with all-around wheelhouse ballistic protection (STANAG Level I), machinegun mounts with gunner shields forward and aft, and cabins and amenities for 12 security personnel.
Since the start of this decade, Ghana’s Navy has been steadily building its naval strength, by introducing new vessels and building a new base.
Minister of Defence, Dominic Nitiwul disclosed during the International Maritime Defence Exhibition (IMDEC 2019) conference held in Accra on 24 July, that the Ghanaian Navy has ordered eight naval vessels including two offshore patrol boats for the protection of the country’s offshore oil and gas infrastructure.