Accra, Jan. 9 GNA - A French Naval ship "Foudre" which is on her regular mission along the West Coast of Africa will dock at the Tema Harbour on Thursday, January 12 as part of a routine call at Ghana. She will depart on Monday, January 16. A statement in Accra by the French Embassy said the purpose of the visit is to reinforce the existing ties between the French and the Ghanaian naval forces.

The ship under the command of Nicolas Bezou since summer 2005 has a crew of 230 sailors.

Foudre's role is to facilitate the landing amphibious or air forces. She also gives logistical support to frigates in overseas operations.

During her call the Ghana Military Academy and the General Staff would visit the ship. The crew would hold a military exercise dubbed "State Action At Sea" with their Ghanaian counterparts. A French naval team would also carry out a civil-military project to the benefit of an orphanage as well as play a rugby match against the University of Ghana.