Deputy Defence Minister, Yaw Brogya Gyamfi, has criticised the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) for politicising issues surrounding Ghana’s maritime security.
His comments follow calls by Ranking Member on Defence, Rev. Ntim Fordjour, for the urgent acquisition of offshore patrol vessels after a recent armed attack on fishermen near Senya Bereku.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Mr. Gyamfi questioned what the NPP achieved for the Ghana Navy during its eight years in power, insisting that the current administration is taking concrete steps to strengthen the country’s naval capacity.
He disclosed that plans to acquire offshore patrol vessels have already been captured in the national budget by the Finance Minister, who is also serving as Acting Defence Minister.
According to him, the construction of such vessels takes time, stressing that the focus should be on properly resourcing the Navy with enhanced surveillance and patrol capabilities rather than politicising national security matters.
“The NPP always seems to want to politicise everything. During their eight years in power, what did they do for the Ghana Navy? Now that we are in office, they should observe and learn. They were unable to procure an offshore patrol vessel during their time in government. However, the Minister for Finance and Acting Minister for Defence has included the acquisition in the budget.
“The vessel is currently being built, and that process takes time. Instead of dwelling on past failures, let us concentrate on addressing the current challenges and avoid politicising the matter. We must equip the Navy with the necessary resources for surveillance and patrol. What Ghanaians need to understand is that the situation is being handled and that people are safe,” he said.
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