The Commander, United States (US) Marine Corps Forces for Europe and Africa Major General Robert B Sofge, has said the US government remains committed to the security of the Gulf of Guinea and strengthening defence institutions.

He made the statement when he paid a courtesy call on the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Rear Admiral Issah Adam Yakubu at the Naval Headquarters, Burma Camp on Tuesday 6 February, 2024.

Major General Robert Sofge also lamented on the happenings in the Red Sea and said, Ghana’s leadership in the Gulf of Guinea was critical to ensuring a safe shipping route for vessels that may probably redirect their routes towards Africa.

Rear Admiral Yakubu assured Major General Sofge and his entourage of the total commitment and readiness of the Ghana Navy to work with the US Marines Corps Africa in order to ensure a safe and secured maritime domain. He stated that piracy and other maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea had declined as a result of the continuous presence of the Ghana Navy at sea.  

The CNS indicated Ghana Navy’s commitment to working closely with US Coast Guard to advance amphibious capabilities in defending the maritime domain.

He presented plaques to the Generals and also decorated them with a Ghana Navy customized kente stole. Major General Robert Sofge in return, also presented a plaque to the CNS.

The US Marine Corps Forces Commander was accompanied by his Vice Commander, Sixth Fleet who doubles as the Director, Maritime Partnership Program, Rear Admiral Calvin Foster and other Embassy Staff.