Ghana inaugurates new patrol boats and surveillance aircraft

Ghanaian President John Mahama commissioned two new naval vessels and two maritime surveillance aircraft on 19 October, local media reported.

The president inaugurated three Diamond DA42 aircraft - two for surveillance and one for training - and two new hangars constructed by China's Poly Group at Takoradi Air Force Base.

He then made his way to nearby Sekondi Naval Base to commission GNS Naa Gbewaa and GNS Yaa Asantewaa , which are both former German Navy 58 m Albatros-class patrol boats that were refitted before delivery to Ghana earlier this year.

In his speech at Takoradi Air Force Base, Mahama emphasised the recent development of Ghana's armed forces and stressed the need to secure the country's waters against criminal activity.

"Over the last four years, we have undertaken perhaps the largest re-equipping of the armed forces in the history of Ghana," he said. "The navy has received seven new vessels, two of which we are going to commission today. The air force has received two strategic lift aircraft, two surveillance aircraft and one trainer aircraft. They have received two new hangars and are due to receive four new helicopters by the end of the year."