Hon Joseph Nelson, Veep Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, and Other Dignitaries Honor Ghana Navy Memorial Day In Sekondi

The Western Regional Minister, Hon. Joseph Nelson, alongside Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang and other distinguished guests, commemorated the Ghana Navy Memorial Day and the 35th anniversary of the attack on the Ghana Navy Ship Yogaga during a solemn ceremony held at the Western Naval Command Cenotaph in Sekondi on Sunday, September 14.

This significant event paid tribute to the brave personnel of the Ghana Navy who lost their lives while serving their country, with a special focus on the victims of the GNS Yogaga shelling that occurred during the Liberian Civil War 35 years ago.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice President and Chairperson of the Ghana Armed Forces Council, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, called on the Ghana Navy to intensify its defence of the nation’s maritime domain, stressing that Ghana’s future as a coastal country is tied to secure waters.

The ceremony, marked by a parade and wreath-laying, honored naval personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said the commemoration was not only a tradition of vigilance but also a reminder of the sacrifices made by service personnel to safeguard Ghana’s peace and stability.

“Because we are a coastal nation, maritime security remains essential. I urge the Navy to intensify collaboration with other maritime agencies to defend Ghana’s sovereignty, secure our waters, and protect our national interests,” she said.

She also commended the presence of young people at the event, noting that their participation was critical in shaping the next generation’s understanding of service, sacrifice, and the true cost of peace.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang further stressed the need for the Navy and the wider Armed Forces to draw from Ghana’s history to inspire patriotism and resilience in the face of both traditional and emerging security challenges.

The ceremony also recognized the tragic 1982 murders of Navy personnel at the base and honored those who have fallen while on peacekeeping missions.

The gathering included several notable dignitaries, such as Chief of Essikado, Nana Kobina Nketsia, Hon. Abdul Majeed Dokurgu, the Mayor of Effia-Kwesimintsim Municipal Assembly, Hon. Lawyer Faidoo, the Mayor of Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA), and Hon. Lawyer Blay Nyameke Armah, the Sekondi Member of Parliament, Hon Emelia Arthur, the member of Parliament for Shama, among others.