The Deputy Minister for Defence, Ernest Brogya Genfi, has paid a courtesy visit to the French Navy offshore patrol vessel Commandant Bouan at the Port of Tema.

The visit was undertaken alongside the French Ambassador to Ghana, Diana Dime Labille, senior military officers and other dignitaries.

The vessel is currently operating in Ghana’s territorial waters as part of efforts to enhance maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea and deepen naval cooperation between Ghana and France.

Commanded by Lieutenant Commander Damien Tocquer, the 83-metre ship, crewed by 104 personnel, recently arrived from Gabon.

It has already conducted joint counter-piracy patrols with the Ghana Navy and is expected to undertake further training exercises aimed at boosting interoperability and operational effectiveness between the two navies.

During the visit, Mr. Brogya Genfi reaffirmed Ghana’s strong military ties with France and commended the ongoing technical support and joint exercises between the two countries.

He expressed concern over increasing incidents of high-sea robberies targeting artisanal fishermen, noting that maritime insecurity—like terrorism in the sub-region—remains a shared threat requiring coordinated international action.

The Deputy Minister also called for enhanced global support, particularly in the provision of advanced surveillance equipment to strengthen maritime monitoring and response capabilities.

The Commandant Bouan is scheduled to remain in Ghanaian waters until March 6, 2026, before proceeding to Guinea-Conakry.