The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has completed a ten‑day work‑up programme for its newly acquired multi‑purpose oil‑spill response vessel, the MV Esther Ocloo, making the ship operationally ready for deployment.
The training, organised jointly by the Ghana Navy and the GMA, was designed to assess the vessel’s readiness and to crew it with navy personnel and GMA officers for efficient operation.
Dr Ali Kamal‑Deen, Director‑General of the GMA, said at the closing ceremony at the Sekondi Naval Base that the vessel had been idle since its 2023 acquisition and that the work‑up signalled its readiness to protect Ghana’s maritime environment and support offshore oil and gas installations.
He added, “It is no longer going to sit at the harbour but will be available for deployment to protect our maritime environment and perform roles that will assist in the protection of our offshore oil and gas industry to ultimately meet the regulatory mandates and responsibility of the GMA.”
Commodore Stephen Billins Nyam, Flag Officer Commanding the Western Naval Command, noted that the training provided a structured basis for determining the vessel’s readiness and for preparing the crew for the responsibilities ahead.
He said, “The comprehensive nature of this training has revealed valuable insight into the capabilities of the vessel and the level of preparedness of the personnel operating her.”
The MV Esther Ocloo, named after entrepreneur Esther Afua Ocloo, is a 40‑metre asset for oil‑spill detection, recovery, surveillance and environmental protection, contributing to Ghana’s goal of a safer, cleaner maritime sector.
