In a significant show of support, Denmark has donated two brand-new Toyota pick-ups—a Hilux and a Land Cruiser—to the Ghana Navy’s (GN) elite Special Boat Squadron (SBS), enhancing operational efficiency and mobility.
Additionally, a four-year scholarship in Underwater Medicine has been awarded to a GN medical officer, strengthening Ghana’s naval medical capabilities.
The official handover took place at Ghana Navy Headquarters in Burma Camp, Accra, on Friday, February 21, 2025, with the Danish Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Tom Norring, presenting the vehicles to the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Issah Adam Yakubu.
Vice Admiral Yakubu expressed deep appreciation for Denmark’s continued support, citing past contributions in training, strategic planning, maritime equipment, and logistical assistance.
He highlighted a critical gap in Ghana’s naval medical capabilities, particularly in underwater operations, and welcomed the scholarship for Lieutenant Commander (Dr.) Jemima Yeboah to study Naval Medicine at Stellenbosch University in South Africa.
“Diving operations are highly specialized and extremely risky, requiring expert medical intervention during critical moments,” Admiral Yakubu noted.
“Ghana currently lacks specialists in this field, and this has led to unfortunate consequences in the past.”
Ambassador Norring emphasized that Denmark’s support goes beyond equipment and vehicles—it is about laying strong foundations for Ghana’s naval development.
He revealed that later in 2025, Denmark will evaluate its cooperation with the SBS and the elite Frogman Corps to refine operational strategies.
“We foresee a transition towards a deeper partnership where both units share expertise, allowing the SBS to expand its capabilities in operations, education, and logistics,” Ambassador Norring stated.
“Our cooperation is not just about Special Forces; it is about strengthening the Ghana Navy as a whole and ensuring maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.”
Denmark’s commitment to Ghana’s maritime security has been long-standing. Under a three-year-old trilateral agreement with the Ghana Navy and the United States Naval Forces Europe and Africa (NAVAF), Denmark has played a pivotal role in nurturing the SBS.
In 2023, Denmark donated two Mitsubishi vehicles to the GN, followed by the construction of a cutting-edge “Ship-in-a-Box” training facility in 2024, in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
This facility enhances Ghana’s ability to train maritime law enforcement officers in Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) operations, a critical component in combating piracy and securing maritime routes.
Further strengthening training capabilities, Denmark also built a Full Mission Bridge Simulator at the GN’s Naval Training Command in the Volta Region in late 2024.
This advanced system enhances ship handling, navigation, and decision-making skills, ensuring safety and security for Ghanaian naval officers at sea.
The high-profile event was attended by key military officials, including Rear Admiral Samuel Agyenim-Boateng, Brigadier General John Ampadu, Commodore Emmanuel Bright Atiayao, and Colonel Lasse Sand, the Danish Defence Attaché to Ghana.
Denmark’s unwavering commitment to Ghana’s naval development underscores its strategic role in regional maritime security.
With these new investments in mobility, training, and medical expertise, the Ghana Navy is poised to become a stronger force in protecting the Gulf of Guinea.
