Ghana Navy and Danish Government Commission Advanced Maritime Simulation Centre
The Ghana Navy, in partnership with the Danish Government, has officially commissioned a state-of-the-art Maritime Simulation Centre at the Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC) in Nutekpor. The facility, inaugurated on Monday, January 27, 2025, marks a significant milestone in strengthening Ghana’s maritime security and operational readiness in the Gulf of Guinea.
Named the LILL-MAY DIDRIKSEN SIMULATION CENTRE, in honor of the first female naval officer in the Royal Danish Navy, the facility boasts a 270-degree Full Mission Bridge Simulator, three 120-degree Part-Task Simulators, and other specialized training areas designed to enhance operational efficiency.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Marietta Agyeiwaa Brew-Opong, Legal Counsel to the President of Ghana, expressed appreciation to Denmark for its steadfast support in enhancing maritime security. She highlighted the importance of international partnerships in combating piracy and other threats in the Gulf of Guinea, a critical global trade corridor.
Vice Admiral Issah Adam Yakubu, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), emphasized that the facility would revolutionize naval training, allowing personnel to refine their skills in a safe and controlled environment. He also acknowledged Denmark’s broader contributions, including the UNODC-supported “Ship-in-a-Box” facility and an upcoming world-class swimming pool with diving capabilities for the Ghana Navy.
The Deputy Chief of Navy of the Royal Danish Navy, Commodore BO Overgaard, reaffirmed Denmark’s dedication to addressing security challenges in the region. He described the Bridge Simulator as a symbol of trust and collaboration, ensuring local ownership and serving as a model for sustainable development. He stressed that the facility would allow for effective training without taking operational ships out of service, ultimately enhancing safety and prosperity in Ghana and beyond.
Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) NAVTRAC, Commodore Solomon Asiedu-Larbi, also described the centre as a game-changer for maritime training, acknowledging the careful planning, collaboration, and commitment to excellence that brought the project to life. He expressed gratitude to the CNS and Denmark for making the initiative a reality.
The commissioning of this cutting-edge facility cements NAVTRAC’s position as a leading maritime training hub, ensuring that Ghana’s naval forces are well-equipped to address evolving security challenges in the Gulf of Guinea and beyond.
