Exercise Grand African NEMO  has been launched at the Multinational Maritime Coordination Centre (MMCC) Zone F headquarters, Osu Castle, on Monday, 4 November 2024.

The 8-day exercise seeks to strengthen cooperation among regional naval forces to counter the growing challenges of piracy and transnational maritime crimes. It includes participation from naval forces across multiple African countries alongside international partners, engaging in simulated scenarios focused on piracy, smuggling, and illegal fishing.

The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, Commodore Emmanuel Ayesu Kwafo, representing the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Rear Admiral Issah Adam Yakubu, highlighted the importance of such collaborations, noting that efforts like Grand African NEMO have led to a significant reduction in transnational crimes within the Gulf of Guinea and Zone F maritime zones.

Rear Admiral Yakubu emphasized the necessity of multinational coordination, noting that transnational crimes require unified action. This year’s exercise aims to build upon past achievements, particularly in enhancing interoperability, information sharing, and trust among participating forces to ensure security across the Gulf of Guinea.

The CNS also expressed appreciation for the French Government’s support through the Yaoundé Architecture Regional Information System (YARIS), which aids in real-time maritime coordination. He encouraged all participating countries and agencies to engage actively in the exercise.

The French Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Jules Armond Aniambossou, reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting West African nations in maritime security efforts, emphasizing the importance of training and cooperation in effectively combating piracy and transnational crime.