By Agbaxode Emmanuel
Sogakope-Nutekpor (VR), Jan. 28, GNA – A project, known as ‘Full Mission Bridge Simulator (FMBS)’, has been commissioned at the Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC) at Nutekpor in the South Tongu District of the Volta Region to aid the operations of Ghana Navy.
The facility, with funding from the Danish government, forms part of a tripartite agreement between the United States of America (USA), the Danish government, and the Ghana Navy with a focus on improving the operational and training capacities of the Navy.
Christened ‘Lill-May Didriksen Simulation Centre’ after the first female naval officer and one of the prominent personalities in the history of the Royal Danish Navy, the facility, being the finest in the sub-region, comprises a 270-degree Full Mission Bridge Simulator, and three 120-degree Part-task simulators.
The rest are a Briefing Room, Server Room, two Instructor Stations, and offices for instructors.
At a short commissioning ceremony, Commodore Solomon Asiedu-Larbi, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) of Navtrac, in his welcome address, explained that the simulation centre would play an indispensable role in equipping their personnel, both officers and sailors, with the practical skills, confidence, and experience necessary to operate at the highest standards, whether at sea or during emergencies.

“In our line of work, precision, readiness, and professionalism are non-negotiable. Naval operations are inherently complex and demand unwavering competence.
“It reflects our unyielding determination to provide the best training tools and opportunities to ensure the success of our Navy in safeguarding the maritime interests of our region.”
He said the new facility would reinforce Ghana Navy’s commitment to operational excellence, safety, and readiness that would not only benefit the Ghana Navy, but also serve the broader international maritime fraternity.
Ms Marietta Agyeiwaa Brew Appiah-Oppong, the Legal Counsel to President Mahama, who was a Special Guest of Honour, expressed government’s gratitude to the Royal Danish Government for their support in the development of the Ghana Navy and the Ghana Armed Forces as a whole.

“It is evident that Denmark has been a trusted and invaluable partner, contributing significantly to strengthening maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea. The Gulf of Guinea, as many of you know, is a vital maritime corridor, accounting for a significant portion of global trade.”
She indicated that the government remained deeply committed to supporting the Navy and all security agencies in fulfilling their mandates.
“We acknowledge that maritime security is not just a matter of national defense; it is integral to the development of our blue economy; a vital component of our nation’s growth.”
Ms Appiah-Oppong assured that the government would prioritised the development of the industry through training and policies that could boost the blue economy and as leaders in Africa’s maritime domain.
“Around the world, secured maritime spaces have led to thriving fisheries, increased maritime trade, and sustainable offshore energy projects. We are therefore determined to replicate this success in Ghana by creating opportunities for job creation, economic growth, and sustainable development,” she added.
She also promised that government would work to create a future where Ghanaians, especially the youth, could benefit from the abundant opportunities “that our blue economy offers.”
Vice Admiral Issah Adam Yakubu, Chief of the Naval Staff, on his part, said the FMBS, arguably, remained the most sophisticated in the ECOWAS Sub-Region that served as a testament to Denmark’s enduring commitment to strengthening Ghana’s maritime capacity.
He stated that the state-of-the-art facility would significantly enhance their training programmes and others, where their personnel would master complex navigation and operational scenarios in a safe and controlled environment.
Vice Admiral Yakubu also revealed that Government had injected a total of Five million Ghana Cedis to provide infrastructure to house the simulators and their accessories, while their Danish partners provided funding for procuring the technology for USD 370.000.
Commodore BO Overgaard, Deputy Chief of Navy from the Royal Danish Navy, in an address, said Denmark was committed to working with their partners from Ghana to strengthen maritime security, maintain open trade routes, and protect fishery resources.
“Denmark remains committed to this effort to the Danish Gulf of Guinea Maritime Security programme. That is why we are gathered here today. This new bridge simulator stands as a testament to the strong and enduring cooperation, partnership, and friendship between Denmark and Ghana.”
He said, Denmark had contributed to strengthening both military and civilian maritime law enforcement in the region, “and we will continue to do so. And this enhances the ability to detect, apprehend, and prosecute criminal activities at sea.”
NAVTRAC, after its commissioning event in October 2020, has seen continuous advancement and expansion, serving as a centre of excellence in naval operations and other security- related activities.
GNA