Story: Leading Aircraftman Agyare B

Pictures: Sergeant Dankluvi AK

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Eric Agyen-Frempong and the Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing, have paid a morale-boosting visit to the crew of Ghana Navy Ship (GNS) PRU at the Nigerian Defence Jetty in Lagos, Nigeria.

The visit, which took place on Thursday, 4 June 2026, was aimed at interacting with the ship's company and commending them for their participation in the Nigerian Navy's 2026 International Fleet Review and Maritime Exercises.

Upon arrival, the Service Chiefs were accorded a warm reception and welcomed with a Quarter Guard mounted by sailors of the Cameroonian Navy Ship LA SANAGA.

Addressing the crew, Rear Admiral Bessing congratulated the sailors for their successful participation in the multinational exercise and commended them for exhibiting professionalism and projecting a positive image of both the Ghana Navy and Ghana on the international stage. He noted that GNS PRU's involvement in the fleet review underscored the diplomatic role of the Ghana Navy in fostering international maritime cooperation and strengthening bilateral relations.

He also expressed appreciation to Ghana's Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Commodore Bright Kojo Attiayao, for the support and assistance provided to the ship and its crew throughout their stay in Nigeria.

As a gesture of appreciation and encouragement, Rear Admiral Bessing presented an undisclosed sum to the crew and wished them a safe journey back to Ghana.

For his part, Air Vice Marshal Eric Agyen-Frempong congratulated the crew for representing Ghana with distinction during the fleet review and maritime exercises. He encouraged them to take advantage of such international engagements to learn from other navies, exchange experiences and enhance their professional competencies.

The Service Chiefs later interacted with sailors aboard the Ivorian Navy Ship VAILLANCE and the Cameroonian Navy Ship LA SANAGA, further demonstrating the spirit of friendship and cooperation among participating navies.

The delegation included Ghana's Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Commodore Bright Kojo Attiayao, and the Chief of Naval Operations, Captain (GN) Dennis Eghan.

Earlier in the day, the crew of GNS PRU was also visited by the Chief of Staff of the Ivorian Navy, Vice Admiral Nguessan Kouame Celestine, who commended the ship's participation in the international exercise.

GNS PRU is currently representing the Ghana Navy at the Nigerian Navy's International Fleet Review and Maritime Exercises, held as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy's 70th Anniversary celebrations.