The British High Commissioner to Ghana, Dr. Christian Rogg, accompanied by the Defence Advisor at the High Commission, Lt. Col. Nick Wood, held high-level discussions with Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Defence, Ernest Brogya Gyenfi, on strengthening defence collaboration, particularly in regional counterterrorism, maritime security, and equipping the Ghana Armed Forces.
The engagement focused on three critical areas within Ghana’s security architecture: regional counterterrorism, maritime security, and military capacity-building. Deputy Minister Brogya Gyenfi expressed appreciation for the diplomatic delegation’s visit, noting that it reinforced the international community’s commitment to security within the subregion.
“We were honoured to receive the British High Commissioner and the Defence Advisor at the Ministry. Discussions focused on strengthening defence collaboration, particularly in regional counterterrorism, maritime security, and equipping the Ghana Armed Forces. We sincerely appreciate their continued support and partnership,” the Deputy Minister stated.
The visit comes at a pivotal moment as West Africa remains a hotspot for terrorism, with reports indicating as many as eight attacks per day claiming an average of 44 lives. Ghana experienced its first direct terrorist-related fatalities outside its borders in Titao, Burkina Faso, where eight citizens were killed and three others injured.
Maritime security has also become a pressing concern. Recently, joint naval teams rescued over 70 fishermen attacked by pirates between Senya Beraku and Dampase in the Central Region. The assailants reportedly stole seven outboard motors, five generators, mobile phones, fuel, and cash. The victims were aboard seven canoes, including one from Tema, two from Chorkor, and four from Senya Beraku.
Earlier in March 2025, pirates attacked the fishing vessel Mengxin 1, kidnapping its captain, chief mate, and chief engineer, all Chinese nationals, who were later rescued through coordinated security efforts. These incidents have renewed calls for enhanced maritime patrols and stronger international naval cooperation.
Amid these concerns, Ghana has also benefited from sustained international security support. The Ambassador of France to Ghana, Diana Dime-Labille, and Deputy Minister Brogya Gyenfi recently reaffirmed Ghana-France maritime cooperation during a strategic visit to the French Navy offshore patrol vessel Commandant Bouan at Tema Port. The partnership aims to strengthen maritime security operations and joint patrol capabilities.
Germany has contributed operational assets valued at 1 million cedis to enhance mobility and officer safety along Ghana’s northern borders. German Defence Attaché Holger Grossmann presented equipment including a 16-seater Foton View CS2 bus, laptops, tablets, printers, protective helmets, and bulletproof vests to the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Samuel Basintale Amadu.
The United States has also reinforced Ghana’s security commitments. AFRICOM Commander, Air Force Gen. Dagvin R.M. Anderson, held high-level discussions with President John Dramani Mahama on deepening cooperation to strengthen peace and security in Ghana and the wider West African region.
The high-level engagements reflect Ghana’s proactive approach to addressing evolving security challenges, leveraging bilateral partnerships and multilateral support to ensure the safety of its citizens, protect maritime resources, and enhance regional stability.
Related Posts
