A two-day Chief of the Naval Staff’s (CNS’) Conference commenced yesterday, Wednesday 11 February 2026, and is ongoing at the Grove Essipong Beach Resort in Sekondi under the theme ‘Building Resilient, Adaptive and Globally Responsive Maritime Force: The Navy We Want By 2030’. The programme will conclude today, Thursday 12 February 2026.
The conference, held annually, began with the CNS Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing noting that the theme embodied the very heart of his vision for the Ghana Navy. He emphasised it is a pledge and a covenant to build a credible maritime force that is operationally robust, mission-ready and armed with deterrence sufficient to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ghana.
The CNS stressed that the unpopular decision to decommission the Ghana Navy Ship platforms CHEMLE, EHWOR, YAA ASANTEWAA and NAA GBEWAA spared the Navy the escalating cost of maintenance and the danger of risking platforms that were no longer fit for use. He reiterated that the Acting Minister for Defence, Honourable Cassiel Ato Forson’s announcement to procure two (2) Offshore, 72-meter Patrol Vessels (OPVs) in the 2026 Budget to augment the Navy’s fleet had received the green light, with plans of purchasing four (4) Fast Patrol Boats to replace the decommissioned vessels.
Rear Admiral Bessing intimated that the unfortunate surge in unprofessional conduct, such as fuel theft, armed robbery, use of illicit drugs and enlistment fraud, were concerns for the Military High Command. He therefore appealed to participants of the conference to unite for a common cause, while taking collective action at every echelon of Command to stamp out the canker.
He further added that to build the Ghana Navy we want by 2030, various Commands and Commanders must harness emerging technologies such as cyber, unmanned systems and artificial intelligence, as well as review doctrines to meet new threats and demands.
Representing the Western Regional Minister, Honourable Joseph Nelson, the Director at the Western Regional Coordinating Council, Mr Mohammed Yakubu Alhassan, said Ghana Navy, through vigilance and professionalism, remains a vital force in ensuring maritime security, protecting vital national assets and promoting safety in Ghana’s waters.
He commended the CNS and the entire Naval High Command for their personnel's unwavering dedication, discipline and selfless sacrifices in service to the nation.
Mr Alhassan maintained that government remains committed to supporting the Ghana Armed Forces, and the Ghana Navy in particular, through proper policy direction, retooling, infrastructure development and logistics support. He applauded the Ghana Navy for the invaluable support in the fight against illegal mining and encouraged continued cooperation in the pursuit of a common objective.
Delivering a goodwill message, the Chairman of the Association of Retired Naval Officers, West, Commodore Addison (Retired), who also doubles as the Chief of Ekumfi Atiwa, Nana Okwoampah VIII, said that the theme for the conference is timely as it reflects the Navy’s commitment towards enhancing its capabilities while contributing to national security, economic growth and regional stability.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Chief Staff Officer at the Naval Headquarters, Flag Officers Commanding the various Commands, Deputy Chief Staff Officers, Directors and other senior Naval Officers, as well as the Master Coxswain of the Navy, were present.
