Ghana Navy Hosts End-of-Year Thanksgiving Religious Parade

The Ghana Navy held its annual end-of-year thanksgiving religious parade on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at the Tema Naval Base. The event was centered around the theme: “Ebenezer, This Is How Far the Lord Has Brought Us,” offering an opportunity for the Navy personnel to reflect on God’s blessings and their achievements throughout the year.

Colonel Peter Nyarko Duodu, the Director of Army Religious Affairs, led the ceremony with a message of gratitude to God for the divine support the Navy had received throughout the year. He emphasized the importance of remaining thankful, encouraging personnel to not only be grateful for their accomplishments but also to value their families, who provide vital support in their service to the nation.

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Rear Admiral Issah Adam Yakubu, delivered a heartfelt address to the Navy’s personnel, praising them for their tireless commitment, especially as the Navy celebrated its 65th anniversary in 2024. Rear Admiral Yakubu reflected on the year’s achievements and attributed these successes to the resilience, dedication, and grace that guided the Navy in navigating various challenges.

He highlighted some of the Navy’s most significant milestones, including the upcoming commissioning of a new state-of-the-art naval ship, which would bolster the fleet’s capabilities. The Navy also saw the completion of 20 two-bedroom apartments in Takoradi and the Ezinlibo Forward Operation Bases. Additionally, the acquisition of the naval ship Achimota, set to arrive from Japan, marked a major achievement in the Navy’s modernization efforts.

Rear Admiral Yakubu expressed pride in the Navy’s professionalism during the recent elections, emphasizing their crucial role in maintaining security and contributing to the peaceful process that further solidified Ghana’s reputation as a model of stability in Africa. He acknowledged that the Navy’s resilience in addressing maritime security concerns and global geopolitical challenges contributed to the nation’s overall security, and he commended the collective efforts of all ranks in achieving these successes.

The CNS also took a moment to honor both serving and retired personnel for their unwavering service, recognizing their sacrifices in safeguarding the nation’s future. He called for continued prayers for Ghana, specifically asking for peace and wisdom for the outgoing president and guidance for the president-elect and their respective teams.

Rear Admiral Yakubu urged the personnel to remain vigilant in their duties, particularly in addressing potential security threats in the coming year. He also encouraged them to engage positively with their communities, extend goodwill to those less privileged, and support each other in their personal and professional lives.

The Chief of Naval Staff further expressed his deep gratitude to the Naval Wives, who provide unwavering support to the Navy personnel. He acknowledged their vital role in maintaining morale and ensuring the well-being of the Navy’s personnel, recognizing that their sacrifices were integral to the Navy’s success. Rear Admiral Yakubu called on all personnel to renew their commitment to serving the nation with honor, integrity, and excellence as they prepared to enter the new year.

In a special moment during the event, Rear Admiral Yakubu unveiled and dedicated a uniform stole and iodized cross for the clergy. These items were presented as a symbolic recognition of the clergy’s sacred role in the military community. The stole and cross are meant to acknowledge the clergy’s spiritual leadership and the important support they provide to the Ghana Navy in guiding personnel in their faith, morale, and commitment to their duties.

The thanksgiving parade concluded with a sense of unity and purpose as the Ghana Navy reflected on the past year’s accomplishments and renewed their commitment to safeguarding the nation’s waters and contributing to the country’s security. The event served as a reminder of the importance of faith, leadership, and community in the pursuit of excellence within the Navy.