The Eastern Naval Command has held its first Ceremonial Division Parade for the year 2021, with a call on personnel and officers to keep up the momentum and refrain from unacceptable acts.

Rear Admiral Issah Adam Yakubu, Chief of Naval Staff, who inspected the parade commended the Command for their smart turnout and drill, which he described as a testimony of discipline and morale of the officers.

Rear Admiral Yakubu said the parade would serve as the first administrative inspection he had commanded since he assumed office, adding that it offered them the opportunity to accessed the state of affairs in the various commands.

He commended the various commands for discharging their duties professionally even though there were some resource challenges coupled with the coronavirus pandemic, as according to him, it was clear that the commanders were responsive to the operational demands, an indication of the good leadership, patient and passion for the staff by the Flag Officer.

He said due to the upsurge of pirates’ attack on fishing vessels, the Navy engaged stakeholders in the fishing industry and agreed to assign armed Navy officers to the vessels to conduct operation and counter both local and transnational threats.

He said the Eastern Naval Command had shown they were able and dependable, through their activities.

He announced that though the activities of the succession groups and rising insecurity at Ada and its environs, the Ghana Navy established new detachments at Akosombo, Atimpoku, Ada, and Aflao, which had increased their coverage along the country’s coastline and inland water waves.

Real Admiral Yakubu added that the Ghana Navy had also established the river line and logistics command, explaining that the river line would focus on the river bodies to get rid of illegal miners, illegal fishing, child trafficking, and other harmful practices, while they would ensure safety on the water bodies.

The logistics command, he said was associated with the growth and expansion of the navy, adding that it was established this year with the launching of agenda 2024, which had the objective to modernize the Navy, increased professionalism and enhance the welfare of the officers.

He also announced that his outfit was collaborating with a legitimate company to build 2000 housing units, which would be paid in 25 years to solve the accommodation problems in the naval service and serve as a major breakthrough for the service.

Deserving hardworking personnel were honoured with citations, among them were 194271 PO1 Olive Asare – Bediako, who received potential steward award, 206873 AB1 Benjamin Oduro, for potential writer (General Duty).

Others were 206312 CPL Peter Afful, for psychiatric nurse, 204135 ABI Stephen Atebilla Engine, for mechanic, Miss Rebecca Makafui Pewudie, a plumber, and 206908 ABI Benjamin Kudzornu Norvidzro, a Bandsman.