The European Union (EU), through its Support to West Africa Integrated Maritime Security (SWAIMS) Programme, has handed over two Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) to the Ghana Navy following the completion of a two‑week Boat Operators Training Course at the Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Nutekpor.
The training, conducted by instructors from the Portuguese Navy, equipped Ghanaian naval personnel with practical skills in boat handling, navigation, seamanship, maritime safety and operational procedures. Officials say the initiative is aimed at strengthening the Navy’s capacity to combat piracy, armed robbery at sea, illegal fishing, trafficking and other transnational maritime crimes.
Welcoming guests to the ceremony, Training Coordinator Naval Captain David Dela Kpetigo expressed appreciation to the EU and its partners for their continued investment in maritime capacity building. He noted that the donation and training underscored the strong partnership between NAVTRAC and the EU SWAIMS Programme.
General Coordinator of SWAIMS, Commodore Antonio Neves Rodrigues, commended participants for their commitment and reaffirmed the EU’s resolve to support maritime security initiatives across the Gulf of Guinea. “The donation reflects our determination to strengthen the operational capacity of partner nations through improved training and modern equipment,” he said.
EU Representative Madam Gisela Spreitzhofer stressed that safe and secure maritime spaces were vital to economic growth, trade and regional stability. She reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to working closely with Ghana and other coastal states to build resilient maritime institutions.
Guest of Honour and Flag Officer Commanding NAVTRAC, Commodore James Adongo Agambire, expressed profound appreciation to the EU, SWAIMS Programme and Portuguese Navy for their support. He said the boats would be utilised effectively to strengthen maritime operations, improve training and safeguard Ghana’s maritime domain.
Receiving the boats on behalf of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Commodore Agambire assured the EU that the equipment would be properly maintained and deployed for its intended purpose. He reiterated the Navy’s commitment to sustaining the partnership with SWAIMS.
The ceremony concluded with the formal handover of the boats, presentation of certificates to participants and a demonstration of the RHIBs’ operational capabilities, marking another milestone in the longstanding partnership between the EU and the Ghana Navy.
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