By Emmanuel Gamson
Sekondi (W/R), Aug. 22, GNA – Commodore Stephen Billings Nyam on Friday, August 21, assumed office as the new Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) the Western Naval Command during a colourful parade held at the Sekondi Naval Base in the Western Region.
He took over from Commodore Samuel Ayelazono who had been reassigned in a diplomatic capacity as Ghana’s Defence Attaché to Côte d’Ivoire.
Speaking at a handing/taking over ceremony held at the Harry Seshie Drill Square, Commodore Ayelazono expressed gratitude to the Chief of Naval Staff for finding him worthy of serving the high office of FOC Western Naval Command.
He also expressed appreciation to personnel of the Command for their resourcefulness and unflinching support, saying “Together, we have been able to add a block or two to the solid foundation laid by my predecessors and I truly cherish the opportunity I had to work with you.”
He noted that his leadership was not without challenges like logistical constraints, maintenance difficulties, and the ever-evolving security threats within Ghana’s maritime domain.
He said, however that, through resilience, innovation, and teamwork, they discharged their mandates with excellence as their benchmark.
Commodore Ayelazono congratulated the new FOC on his appointment and asked him to take the Command to even greater heights.
He urged the personnel to remain disciplined, professional, and focused, while extending same support to Commodore Nyam.
Mr Joseph Nelson, the Western Regional Minister, commended the outgone FOC for his exemplary leadership, adding that his tenure had been a period of distinguished service not only to the Ghana Navy, but the Western Region and the nation.
He said: “We recognise your commitment to operational readiness, maritime security and cooperation between the Navy and other security and maritime stakeholders.
“The result of your tireless effort is the relatively stable maritime security situation that we are currently enjoying.”
Mr Nelson also congratulated Commodore Nyam for assuming office as the new FOC and urged him to leverage his experience to steer the affairs of the Western Naval Command in the right direction.
He said the Western Regional Coordinating Council would work closely with him to advance peace, security and development of the region.
GNA
Edited by Justina Hilda Paaga /Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Emmanuel Gamson