WESTERN NAVAL COMMAND HOLDS JOINT INTER-COMMANDS SHOOTING COMPETITION

Western Naval Command (WNC) has successfully organised a Joint Inter-Commands Shooting Competition, code named; “EXERCISE HOT FLAME 2026,” at the Apremdo Military Shooting Range from Thursday 13 to Friday 14 August 2026.The 2-day competition was aimed at enhancing operational readiness, improving marksmanship and strengthening teamwork and professionalism among personnel of the Ghana Navy.

The competition brought together three teams drawn from various Commands. Team Alpha comprised personnel from Headquarters WNC, Naval Base Sekondi and the School of Marine Engineering and Combat Systems. Team Bravo represented Headquarters Naval Logistics Command, Naval Shipyard and Ghana Navy Stores Base, while Team Charlie consisted of personnel from the Headquarters Fleet and all units under the Fleet.

In his remarks, the Guest of Honour, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Naval Logistics Command, Commodore Eric Osei, described the exercise as an important platform for improving combat effectiveness, weapon handling and operational preparedness, commending all participants for their professionalism, discipline and adherence to safety procedures throughout the exercise. He noted that the objectives of EXERCISE HOT FLAME 2026 had been successfully achieved, particularly through the strengthening of friendship and healthy competition among the participating Commands

He further encouraged personnel selected to represent the Ghana Navy in the exercise to continue improving upon their skills, while expressing appreciation to organisers, range officials, medical team and support staff for their contributions towards a successful and incident-free competition before officially declaring the exercise closed.

Participants competed in M16 rifle, pistol and fallen plates events, with certificates presented to all competitors at the end of the competition.

In the M16 rifle category, Chief Petty Officer Class One (CPO1) Ofori Eric emerged as the Best Male Firer, while Sub Lieutenant Charlotte Mawusi Ahelegbe was adjudged the Best Female Firer, with Team Alpha winning the M16 team event.

In the pistol competition, Naval Lieutenant Daniel Aneateba Alafa was adjudged as the Best Pistol Firer, with Sub Lieutenant Charlotte Mawusi Ahelegbe again emerging as the Best Female Firer. Team Charlie secured victory in the pistol category.

Team Alpha again emerged winner of the Fallen Plates event, followed by Team Bravo and Team Charlie respectively.

At the end of the 2-day competition, CPO1 Ofori Eric was crowned the Overall Best Male Firer, while Sub Lieutenant Charlotte Mawusi Ahelegbe was named the Overall Best Female Firer.

Team Charlie emerged as the Overall Best Command with 868 points, followed by Team Alpha with 813 points, while Team Bravo placed third with 567 points.

Present were the Commodore Superintendent Navy Shipyard, Commodore Roger Bagoniah, the Acting Flag Officer Fleet, Naval Captain John Bekuin Wurapa and the Commanding Officer Naval Base Sekondi, Commander Charles Darkwah.

Story by: Corporal Ayim Prince

Pictures by: Mr Jasper Sackey