The minority caucus in Parliament is urging the government to resume the procurement process for the purchase of offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) for the Ghana Navy.
This follows a recent pirate attack on a Ghanaian-registered fishing vessel, which resulted in the kidnapping of its crew members, mostly Chinese nationals.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, April 1, the Member of Parliament for Assin South, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, emphasised the urgent need for enhanced security on Ghanaian territorial waters.
The Minority reiterated the need for the government to strengthen Ghana’s maritime security by resuming the procurement of OPVs.
Rev. Fordjour recalled that in 2024, the previous government had advanced plans to acquire two OPVs for the Ghana Navy.
However, these plans were opposed by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Parliament, leading to the process being halted.
“With pirates aware of Ghana’s naval deficiencies, the lack of offshore patrol vessels leaves our waters vulnerable to further attacks. To enhance security and deter criminal activities at sea, we strongly urge the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Defense to prioritise the purchase of two offshore patrol vessels. We also call for the recommencement of the procurement process, with parliamentary approval and subsequent acquisition,” he stressed.
He also urged the government to take decisive action to apprehend the perpetrators and, more importantly, to equip the Ghana Navy with the necessary resources to prevent other incidents.
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