Security is Economic Security: U.S. Navy Commander Admiral Wikoff Meets Ghana Defense Ministry to Combat Piracy and Illegal Fishing
Admiral Wikoff met with Ghana’s Deputy Minister for Defense, Ernest Brogya Genfi, and the Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing.
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The Message: “Maritime security is economic security.” When the Gulf of Guinea is safe from piracy and illegal, unregulated fishing (IUU), Ghanaâs markets function better and coastal communities thrive.
High-Tech Defense & Procurement
The U.S. Embassy is pushing for Ghana to adopt more American technology for its defense needs.
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The Tools: Discussions focused on SeaVision (a maritime domain awareness tool) and the recent inaugural regional CARAT operation which just wrapped up in late March.
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The Gear: Following the donation of two 38-foot Defender boats in 2023 and two more in 2024, the U.S. is encouraging the Ghana Armed Forces to continue looking toward U.S. solutions for their future procurement.
Beyond the Sea: Technical Support
The partnership isn’t just about ships. The U.S. has been providing critical technical assistance in:
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Accident Investigation: Helping investigate the recent helicopter crash involving Ghanaian forces.
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Operation Boafo: Providing logistical support to airlift Ghanaian troops to Jamaica for international missions.
