The Ghana Navy received two Defender-class boats and a storage facility from the United States (US) on Friday, 27 September 2024, at the Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC).

This donation will bolster the Navy’s capacity to combat maritime threats and enhance regional maritime security.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, the US Ambassador to Ghana, Her Excellency (HE) Virginia Palmer, expressed pride in the enduring partnership between the US and Ghana, describing it as being founded on mutual commitments to security, democracy, and prosperity. "This ceremony is more than just a handover; it symbolizes our joint efforts to ensure the Ghana Navy is well-equipped to safeguard its waters," she remarked.

The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Rear Admiral Issah Adam Yakubu, highlighted that the donation is part of a series of contributions from the US Government to enhance the Ghana Navy's Special Boats Squadron’s capabilities. He noted that the US has provided four 38-foot boats, maintenance spares, communication equipment, Visit Board Search and Seizure gear, weapons, ammunition, and other essential support over the past two years.

Commodore Solomon Asiedu-Larbi, the Flag Officer Commanding NAVTRAC, expressed the command's deep appreciation to the US Navy for their professionalism and strong collaboration during the construction of the storage facility.

The two Defender-class boats have been named “GNS ISSAH YAKUBU” and “GNS DAVID HANSEN” in honour of the current CNS and the first CNS, respectively.