The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing, officially hosted members of the Association of Retired Naval Officers (ARNO) to a luncheon at the Anchor House in Cantonments, Accra, on Saturday, 17 January 2026. 
In his formal welcome address, the CNS described the luncheon as a solemn celebration of continuity, legacy, and the enduring bond uniting retired naval officers with those presently serving. He deliberately invited young officers to facilitate the transmission of wisdom and institutional knowledge.
Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing outlined the Navy’s strategic modernisation programme, which includes the planned acquisition of two new advanced offshore patrol vessels with helipads and state-of-the-art systems, four fast patrol boats, and significant infrastructural upgrades at the Naval Training Command through public-private partnerships.
Additionally, the CNS conveyed his profound appreciation to his predecessor, Vice Admiral Issah Adam Yakubu, for establishing a robust foundation through fleet expansion and strengthened international maritime partnerships. He warmly welcomed the newly inducted ARNO members and humbly sought their ongoing counsel to ensure sustained advancement within the Ghana Navy and the Ghana Armed Forces.
The Association's President, Rear Admiral Ohene Kwapong (Rtd), thanked the CNS for upholding this important annual tradition. He reaffirmed the association’s complete loyalty, commitment, and cooperation with the active service, describing ARNO as an honourable institution worthy of every naval officer’s aspiration upon retirement.
