British naval ships on four-day visit

Two British Naval Ships, HMS Iron Duke and RFA Black Rover, on Monday arrived at the Western Naval Command for a four-day visit.

The crew of the ships and the Ghana Navy would conduct joint operational training, sporting and community relations activities.

At a press briefing in Sekondi, Commander Tom Tredray, Commanding Officer of HMS Iron Duke, said the ships were on six-month duty in the Gulf of Guinea and the South Atlantic.

He said the ships were collaborating with the Ghana Navy to ensure maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea in order to promote trade.

Commander Tredray said illegal activities like drug trafficking, piracy and armed robbery affect international trade as goods are mostly transported by sea from one country to another.

He said the sea must be kept free from illegal activities so that law-abiding citizens could carry out their legitimate businesses.

Commander Tredray said the ships would patrol the Gulf of Guinea and hoped their presence would deter illegal activities.

He said the Royal Navy was happy with its collaboration with Ghana and Royal Ships would continue to visit the country to help strengthen the Ghana Navy.

Commander Tredray said the collaboration between the Royal Navy and the Ghana Navy was to share ideas.