The Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC) Senior Command and Staff Course (SCSC) 48 visited the Western Naval Command (WNC) Headquarters in Sekondi-Takoradi from Thursday, 22 to Friday, 23 October 2026, to climax the Maritime Combat Power Week.
The two-day visit aimed to provide students with practical exposure to naval operations and evolutions at sea while familiarising them with the Navy's facilities, capabilities and logistical infrastructure.
The delegation, led by the Assistant Commandant of the Senior Division (AsCom), Brigadier General (Brig Gen) Kingsley Kwabena Kessie Afrifah, comprised four Chief Instructors, 15 Directing Staff, members of the Academic Faculty and 89 students of SCSC 48.
The delegation paid a courtesy call on the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) of the Western Naval Command, Commodore Stephen Billins Nyam, who was accompanied by the Flag Officer Fleet (FOF), Commodore James Adongo Aganbire.
During the meeting, Brig Gen Afrifah conveyed the greetings of the Commandant of GAFCSC, Major General Jackson Wonje, to the Western Naval Command. He also briefed the FOC on the purpose of the visit and its expected outcomes.
In his welcome address, Commodore Nyam outlined the operational and naval activities scheduled for the students. He assured the delegation of the necessary security arrangements and hospitality throughout their stay.
Following the courtesy call, the delegation embarked on sea-experience activities aboard Ghana Navy ships Achimota and Ankobra. The exercise provided the students with an opportunity to observe naval operations, tactical manoeuvres and maritime interdiction activities, offering them practical insights into the Navy's operational capabilities.
The delegation also attended presentations at the conference room of the School of Marine Engineering and Combat Systems (SMECS). Representatives from Tullow Ghana Limited, Karpowership, Naval Base Sekondi and Naval Logistics Command Takoradi (NAVLOC) delivered presentations on their respective organisations, operations and responsibilities.
Lieutenant Commander Joseph Gura (Rtd), Company Security Officer at Tullow Ghana Limited, presented an overview of the company's activities and operations. Mr Kalim Tanko, Assistant Manager responsible for Occupational Health and Safety at Karpowership, also briefed the students on the company's operations.
The Commanding Officer of Naval Base Sekondi, Commander Charles Darkwah, provided an overview of the Western Naval Command, highlighting its roles and responsibilities. Similarly, Commander Salifu Musah, Superintendent of the Naval Engineering Workshop at NAVLOC Takoradi, presented an overview of the command and its functions.
Following the presentations, the delegation toured the Naval Shipyard Complex, the JAK ADIKU Slipway and Karpowership. The tour was facilitated by Petty Officer Class Two (POII) Asante Desmond and POII Dzorvakpor Mawuli Bright, who guided the students through the facilities and provided relevant information on their operations.
The visit concluded with a departure dinner hosted by the FOC at the Adiembra Naval Officers' Mess. The Acting President of the Mess Committee, Commander Michael Nyarko, welcomed the delegation and encouraged the students to take advantage of the occasion to interact with naval personnel, appreciate the operational environment of the Ghana Navy and understand the support it provides to the Ghana Armed Forces.
In his closing remarks, Commodore Nyam expressed the Western Naval Command's appreciation for the opportunity to host GAFCSC during the Maritime Combat Power Week. He noted that the visit had provided the non-naval officers with valuable exposure to the Ghana Navy's operations and capabilities.
On behalf of the Commandant of GAFCSC, Major General Jackson Wonje, Brig Gen Afrifah expressed appreciation to Commodore Nyam and the WNC for the hospitality and arrangements made for the delegation.
As a gesture of appreciation, he presented souvenirs and plaques to Commodore Nyam, Commodore Aganbire and the Superintendent of the Naval Shipyard, Commodore Bagoniah.
In return, the FOC and FOF expressed their appreciation for the gesture and presented a plaque to the AsCom of the Senior Division.
The delegation subsequently departed Sekondi-Takoradi for GAFCSC, bringing the two-day visit to a close.
By Sarah Akuamoah-Boateng