Sekondi, Nov. 26, GNA - The Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Matthew Quarshie, on Friday said the Ghana Armed Forces High Command would soon establish a Forward Operational Base near Half Assini. The Base will be in close proximity to the Jubilee Oil Fields to provide rapid response and to maintain continuous presence of the Navy in the vicinity of the oil fields.

He said the safety and security of the oil and gas resources rested with the Navy and therefore cannot afford to fail in the discharge of their duties when oil drilling starts next month. Rear Admiral Quarshie was speaking at the Western Naval Command Administrative Inspection Parade at Sekondi to assess the Command's operational efficiency and preparedness to deal with routine and emergency situations.

He appealed to Navy personnel involved in "Operation Jubilee" to be alert and vigilant at all times to maintain maximum security. Rear Admiral Quarshie said another Forward Operational Base would be established at Elmina in the Central Region to enable the Navy to deal appropriately with illegal and unregulated fishing activities. He commended the Navy personnel involved in the "Operation Jubilee" which prevented the SPM and oil pipelines from being vandalized or damaged recently.

Rear Admiral Quarshie said the responsibilities of the Navy had increased significantly and called for improvement in its equipment base. In view of this, new vessels were being added to the fleet with first vessel from Korea arriving next month. Rear Admiral Quarshie the process of acquisition of two more vessels from Germany is far advanced and negotiations are ongoing for the acquisition of two additional vessels from Korea. "I assure you that next year our equipment situation would have changed for the better that will be manifested in an efficient operational fleet," he said.

Rear Admiral Quarshie expressed delight in the renovation of the Sekondi Naval Slipway and MTU Test Bench projects that are ongoing, adding that it would provide the Navy the capacity to undertake major repairs and maintenance of ships locally. This will save the nation millions of dollars which would otherwise have been spent on refitting ships abroad. "These facilities when completed will be used in support of vessels engaged in the oil and fishing industry. Through these endeavour, the Navy will be contributing significantly to the economy and development of the country, besides the maritime security that it provides," he said. 26 Nov 10