Nick Gurr, United Kingdom’s Deputy Chief of Defence Intelligence, has commended the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) for their immense contribution towards the achievement and sustainment of peace in the region.

He also acknowledged the invaluable support the GAF has been rendering to the United Nations Peacekeeping operations globally.

Mr Gurr made the commendation when he paid a courtesy call on the Chief of Defence Staff, Vice Admiral Mathew Quashie in Accra, on Tuesday.

The purpose of the visit was to discuss issues of mutual interest and maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.

The discussion also touched on GAF’s challenges, terrorism in Africa, cross-border security matters and progress made in the United Nations operations in Mali.

Vice Admiral Quashie said Ghana’s greatest concern was to ensure maritime security along the Gulf of Guinea.

He said armed robbery at sea and piracy issues were becoming rampant in the region, and that, the country was putting in all measures to help contain the situation.

He expressed the hope that with the necessary support, Ghana, in collaboration with her neighbouring countries, would be able to surmount the challenges.

The Chief of Defence Staff also disclosed that GAF had embarked on an expansion and restricting programme to enable it to handle security issues effectively.

He expressed appreciation to the United Kingdom for the support being given to the GAF and hoped that more assistance would be granted.