The School of Maritime Operations (SMOPS) has held a closing ceremony to officially end the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) Training of Trainers (T-O-T) and Advanced Military Course on Friday, 26 June 2026, at the SMOPS Auditorium, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Nutekpor.
The course, sponsored by the Danish Government under the Global Maritime Crime Programme (GMCP), aimed to enhance the operational capabilities of maritime law enforcement personnel in conducting Visit, Board, Search and Seizure operations. It also sought to develop a pool of qualified instructors capable of delivering standardised VBSS training and strengthening regional cooperation in combating maritime crime.
In his remarks, the UNODC Country Representative, Commander (Cdr) Sey Molardza, commended the participants for their dedication and professionalism throughout the training. He noted that maritime crime continues to evolve and requires well-trained and highly skilled personnel capable of responding effectively to emerging threats. He encouraged the participants to serve as force multipliers by imparting the knowledge and skills acquired to their colleagues and to continue fostering cooperation among maritime security agencies within the sub-region.
Delivering his closing remarks, the Defence Attaché of the Danish Embassy, Ghana, Lieutenant Colonel (Lt. Col) Casper Emil Holland, expressed satisfaction with the successful completion of the course and reaffirmed Denmark's commitment to supporting capacity-building initiatives aimed at enhancing maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea. He noted that effective maritime security is essential to promoting economic growth, protecting maritime resources, and ensuring regional stability. He therefore encouraged the participants to apply the lessons learned in their respective areas of responsibility.
Addressing the gathering, the Guest of Honour and Commanding Officer of SMOPS, Naval Captain (Capt. GN) Michael Cudjoe, expressed appreciation to UNODC and the Danish Embassy for their continued support towards building maritime security capacity within the Ghana Navy and the wider sub-region. He commended the participants for their resilience, discipline, and commitment during the course and urged them to utilise the knowledge acquired to strengthen maritime interdiction operations and contribute meaningfully to the fight against maritime crime.
As part of the training, participants undertook a practical exercise to demonstrate the knowledge and skills acquired during the course. The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates to participants who completed the programme.
By Miss Morkli Rebecca
PHOTOS: Sgt Ampomah Samuel
