By James Amoh Junior
Accra, April 25, GNA – Admiral George M. Wikoff, Commander of U.S. Naval Forces Africa, has ended a two-day visit to Accra aimed at strengthening maritime security cooperation between Ghana and the United States.
The April 21 to 22 visit focused on reinforcing shared security interests in the Gulf of Guinea and deepening collaboration with the Ghana Navy.
During the visit, Admiral Wikoff held separate meetings with Deputy Minister for Defence, Mr Ernest Genfi, and the Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing.
The discussions centred on Ghana’s maritime modernisation efforts, improving domain awareness, and expanding joint operations through training and information sharing.
They also highlighted Ghana’s growing role in supporting maritime security capacity across the Gulf of Guinea.
Admiral Wikoff described Ghana as a dependable partner in West Africa and stressed the importance of maintaining secure sea lanes and a rules-based maritime environment.
He said continued cooperation would help protect maritime trade and ensure the smooth flow of legitimate commerce.
The Commander commended Ghana’s participation in regional exercises, including Obangame Express, and its use of surveillance platforms such as SeaVision to strengthen monitoring at sea.
He noted that maritime security was closely linked to economic stability, as safe waters were essential for trade, market growth, and coastal livelihoods.
Ghana has consistently participated in the Obangame Express exercise and hosted it in 2021.
Mr. Rolf Olson, Chargé d’Affaires at the United States Embassy in Ghana, also highlighted the strong bilateral partnership, noting that joint initiatives had boosted Ghana’s maritime capacity.
He said the United States donated two 38-foot Defender patrol boats in 2023 and two more in 2024 to support Ghana’s maritime operations.
Mr. Olson added that both countries co-hosted the African Maritime Forces Summit in 2024 to strengthen leadership and coordination among regional naval forces.
The visit also reviewed outcomes of the inaugural combined regional Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise held from March 16 to 25, 2026, in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.
The exercise focused on tackling illicit maritime activities, including trafficking and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, which remain major threats in the Gulf of Guinea.
The visit coincided with the 69th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Ghana and the United States, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to deepening cooperation in security and economic sectors.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey