The Ghana Eastern Naval Command has welcomed the Brazilian Navy’s Guinex V Defender, a frigate-class warship, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen maritime security and foster naval cooperation between Ghana and Brazil.
The vessel, which docked at the Port of Tema on Saturday, May 31 2025, will remain in Ghanaian waters for four days.
The visit is part of a broader initiative aimed at enhancing training opportunities for Ghanaian naval officers, particularly in combating piracy, illegal fishing, and other maritime threats in the Gulf of Guinea and beyond.
The arrival of the 48-year-old Guinex V Defender underscores the shared commitment of both nations to improving operational capabilities, supporting state-led maritime efforts, and deepening diplomatic ties through naval collaboration.
Described as a sports-class frigate with advanced self-defense systems, the Guinex V Defender is equipped to operate in high-threat environments and defend itself against external attacks.
During its stay, joint military exercises will be conducted to improve operational coordination, strengthen bilateral relations, and facilitate the exchange of best practices in maritime defense.
In an interview with the media, the Brazilian Ambassador to Ghana, Her Excellency Mariana Madeira, said the vessel’s arrival represents a significant step in strengthening ties between the two countries.
“It means a lot to strengthen the ties between our countries because it’s naval diplomacy. Through this ship, we are actually in Ghana in a floating embassy. We expect that this exercise, Guinex V, will bring our countries together through themes like security in the Gulf of Guinea, capacity building of our navies, and dialogue between the two sides,” she noted.
For his part, the Commanding Officer of the Guinex V Defender, Awmeida Matos, highlighted the importance of training Ghanaian naval officers to enhance safety at sea.
“With this fifth edition of the Guinex V operation, we aim to build capacity in areas such as boarding procedures, ship inspections, communication, and navigation. We are here in Ghana, in Tema, to improve these capabilities and strengthen our personnel to better address maritime challenges,” he said.
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