SENIOR COMMAND AND STAFF COURSE 47 RECEIVES INSIGHTFUL PRESENTATIONS AND TOUR AT WESTERN NAVAL COMMAND

As part of the ongoing Maritime Combat Power Week, students of the Senior Command and Staff Course 47 of the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC) on Friday, 24 October 2025, participated in a series of insightful presentations at the School of Marine Engineering and Combat Systems (SMECS) under the Western Naval Command (WNC) in Sekondi-Takoradi.

The session commenced with a detailed presentation by Mr. Moses Mensah Yeboah, Logistics Manager of Tullow Ghana Limited (TGL), who enlightened the students on the company’s key operations and logistical assets in Takoradi and Ghana. He emphasised Tullow’s vital role in offshore oil and gas production and how the company’s Takoradi Logistics Base supports drilling, maintenance and transportation of offshore resources.

Mr. Yeboah elaborated on Tullow’s advanced logistics systems that ensure the efficient delivery of materials, spare parts and fuel to offshore fields such as Jubilee and TEN. He also highlighted Tullow’s partnership with local maritime authorities and the Ghana Navy to maintain maritime safety, prevent oil spill incidents, and protect offshore installations from threats. According to him, Tullow continues to invest in local capacity building and environmentally sustainable operations to support Ghana’s growing energy sector.

The second presentation was delivered by a representative from Karpowership Ghana Company Limited, who used the Osman Khan Powership, a Turkish floating power plant, as a case study. The speaker explained the vessel’s function as a fully equipped power-generating ship, featuring large engines for electricity production, a switchyard area, transformers, control rooms and onboard facilities such as gyms for crew welfare. The presentation provided students with valuable insight into how maritime energy infrastructure supports Ghana’s national power grid and contributes to reliable electricity generation.

The final presentation was led by Commander Charles Darkwah, Commanding Officer of the Naval Base, who gave an in-depth briefing on the history, roles and organisation of the Western Naval Command and the Naval Logistics Command. He highlighted the Command’s dual responsibilities during both wartime and peacetime — emphasising maritime defense, security operations and logistical support.

Commander Darkwah also outlined the area of responsibility of the Western Naval Command, which covers Ghana’s western maritime zone, including vital oil and gas installations. He stressed the need for improved infrastructure, enhanced logistics, and increased personnel to strengthen operational efficiency.

After the presentations, the students embarked on a tour of the Western Naval Command, including visits to the Naval Shipyard, Supply Base and the School of Marine Engineering and Combat Systems (SMECS) conference room. The tour offered them firsthand exposure to naval engineering operations, maintenance facilities, and the overall logistics framework that supports Ghana’s maritime defense capability.

The engagement provided the students with a deeper understanding of the synergy between the Ghana Navy and industry stakeholders such as Tullow and Karpowership in safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests and promoting sustainable national development.

By Mrs. Yvonne Danquah Henkel