The Ghana Police Service has four patrol vessels to strengthen the operational capacity of the Marine Police Unit.
The Avon Class Patrol Boats were designed and manufactured from Turkey as part government's efforts to equip the Ghana Police Service to strengthen its law enforcement capabilities.
The acquisition was done in collaboration with international partners such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the US Embassy and the government of Japan.
The Avon Class Patrol Boats, renowned for their speed and stability, have been named after former Senior Police Commissioners, who rose to become Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
They are Ernest Arko, who served in the highest position of the police from September 30, 1974 to July 7, 1978; B. S. K. Kwakye, who served as IGP from July 17, 1978 to June 4, 1979; Paul Tawiah Quaye, the IGP from May 16, 2009 to February 1, 2013 and Mohammed Alhassan, who served as IGP from May 7, 2013 to November 9, 2015.
The vessels will be used for maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, patrol operations, as well as emergency responses along the country's coastal and inland waterways.
The presentations were done in the presence of former IGPs, including Mohammed Ahmed Alhassan, who is also Member of the Council of State, James Oppong-Boanuh and David Asante-Apeatu.
Also present was the Commodore Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) of the Eastern Naval Command, Solomon Asiedu-Larbi,and other senior police officers.
Milestone
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony in Tema yesterday, the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, described the acquisition as a significant milestone in efforts to protect Ghana's territorial waters and enhance safety along the country's coastline.
He said the blue economy remained a vital pillar of national development, with fisheries, tourism and offshore energy contributing immensely to economic growth, job creation and poverty reduction.
He said these benefits depended on the sustainable management of ocean resources and stronger enforcement mechanisms to protect the marine environment.
"For our resources to benefit current and future generations, we must manage them responsibly and safeguard the health of our oceans," he said
The Minister for the Interior stressed the essential role of the Marine Police Unit in maintaining law and order within Ghana's maritime space, adding that their responsibilities include combating piracy, enforcing maritime regulations, preventing smuggling and protecting fishing grounds.
Mr Mohammed-Mubarak reaffirmed the government's commitment to national security, adding that President John Dramani Mahama's administration continued to prioritise innovation and capacity-building within the security sector.
The IGP, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, said Ghana’s long coastline and vast Exclusive Economic Zone exposed the country to numerous threats, making enhanced patrol capacity critical.
He said the newly acquired vessels would significantly improve the Marine Police Unit’s ability to conduct surveillance, respond swiftly to emergencies and curb maritime crimes such as smuggling, illegal fishing and trafficking.
Appreciation
Mr Yohuno expressed appreciation to the Ministry of the Interior and the government for providing the resources needed to equip the service.
He also commended the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority for years of support in housing the boats, as well as the International Justice Mission (IJM) for providing additional patrol boats, vehicles and operational assistance on Lake Volta.
The IGP further acknowledged Ghana Gas, the Ghana Maritime Authority, UNODC and the Lima Group for their investments in training, refurbishment works and technical support.
He urged Marine Police personnel to use the new assets professionally to safeguard Ghana’s maritime domain and ensure citizen safety.
Write email benjamin.glover@graphic.com.gh
