On Monday, December 23, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo commissioned the Ghana Navy Forward Operating Base at Ezinlibo in the Western Region. The facility, although only 83% complete, is a significant milestone in enhancing maritime security along the Western corridor, particularly for oil and gas installations.
The Forward Operating Base includes completed residential flats, but critical components such as the breakwater and road infrastructure remain under construction. Additionally, the issue of land compensation for the project is yet to be resolved. Despite these challenges, the commissioning of the base underscores its strategic importance to Ghana’s maritime security framework.
Speaking at the event, President Akufo-Addo emphasized the pivotal role the facility will play in safeguarding not only Ghana’s critical economic assets but also contributing to regional maritime security cooperation. “The Ghana Navy Forward Operating Base will not only provide our Navy with the robust platform to protect our critical economic assets but also strengthen our regional security cooperation,” he stated. “This base is a testament to our resolve to play an active role in ensuring peace and stability in West Africa and beyond.”
The President acknowledged the complexities of completing a project of this magnitude, particularly the challenges posed by outstanding compensation for the land and crops affected by the development. He reassured stakeholders that these issues would be addressed satisfactorily to ensure the project’s success. “Awula, your selfless commitment to Ghana’s development is deeply appreciated and deserving of praise. I assure you that the issue of land compensation and ensuring protection will be satisfactorily resolved, just as compensation for crops that have been affected,” he said.
President Akufo-Addo expressed his gratitude to the various stakeholders who contributed to the success of the project, particularly the Western Nzema Traditional Council, led by Paramount Chief Awula Ano Agyei III, and the sub-chiefs. Their generosity in providing the land for the facility was highlighted as a vital element in bringing the project to fruition.
“This contribution would not have been possible without numerous stakeholders. In essence, I would like to extend profound appreciation to the government and the people of Ghana, the Western Nzema Traditional Council led by its Paramount Chief, Awula Ano Agyei III, and the sub-chiefs for their generosity in making available the land for this project,” the President remarked.
The establishment of the Ghana Navy Forward Operating Base is a proactive measure to address the increasing security challenges in Ghana’s maritime domain. With the country’s oil and gas resources concentrated in the Western Region, the facility’s operationalization is expected to bolster the Navy’s ability to safeguard these vital assets. Furthermore, the base is poised to play a crucial role in enhancing Ghana’s contribution to regional and international maritime security initiatives.
Maritime security has become a pressing concern for countries in the West African sub-region, given the rising threats of piracy, illegal fishing, and other transnational maritime crimes. The Forward Operating Base at Ezinlibo is a strategic investment aimed at mitigating these threats and ensuring the safety of Ghana’s territorial waters.
President Akufo-Addo also underscored the broader implications of the base for national and regional stability. “The establishment of this base is not only about safeguarding our oil and gas installations but also about reinforcing Ghana’s commitment to maintaining peace and security in the West African sub-region,” he noted.
The Forward Operating Base is envisioned as a robust platform for the Ghana Navy to conduct its operations effectively. Once fully completed, it will feature state-of-the-art facilities designed to support the Navy’s mandate of ensuring maritime security. The President expressed optimism about the base’s future contributions to Ghana’s security architecture, despite the absence of a specific operational commencement date at the time of commissioning.
The commissioning ceremony brought together various dignitaries, including government officials, traditional leaders, and representatives of the Ghana Armed Forces. Their presence underscored the collaborative effort required to bring the project to its current stage. The event also served as an opportunity to reflect on the importance of strategic investments in national security infrastructure.
While challenges remain in completing the project, the government’s commitment to addressing these issues was reaffirmed. President Akufo-Addo assured stakeholders that all outstanding matters, including land and crop compensation, would be resolved in due course. This assurance was particularly significant for the Western Nzema Traditional Council and the local communities, who have played a pivotal role in supporting the project.
The Forward Operating Base at Ezinlibo represents a critical step in Ghana’s efforts to enhance its maritime security capabilities. As a country with significant economic interests tied to its coastal resources, the need for a robust maritime security framework cannot be overstated. The base is expected to serve as a model for future investments in security infrastructure, reflecting the government’s commitment to protecting Ghana’s economic and strategic interests.
The project also highlights the importance of collaboration between the government, traditional authorities, and local communities in achieving national development goals. The successful acquisition of land for the base, despite the challenges involved, is a testament to the spirit of partnership that underpins such initiatives.
As the government works toward the full completion of the Forward Operating Base, the focus will remain on addressing the outstanding issues and ensuring that the facility becomes fully operational as soon as possible. The President’s assurance of resolving these matters reflects a commitment to delivering on the promise of enhanced maritime security for the nation.
In the broader context of regional security, the establishment of the Forward Operating Base positions Ghana as a key player in efforts to ensure peace and stability in West Africa. By strengthening its maritime security infrastructure, Ghana is not only safeguarding its own interests but also contributing to the collective security of the sub-region.
The commissioning of the Ghana Navy Forward Operating Base at Ezinlibo is a milestone achievement that underscores the government’s dedication to enhancing national security. As work continues to complete the remaining components of the project, the base stands as a symbol of Ghana’s commitment to protecting its economic and strategic assets while fostering regional security cooperation.
