THE LARGEST MULTINATIONAL MARITIME EXERCISE IN WEST AFRICA SET TO BEGIN
OGBANGAME EXPRESS (OE21), the largest multinational maritime exercise in Western Africa, will kick off its 10th year with 32 participating nations at an opening ceremony in Accra, Ghana, on March 19, 2021.
Sponsored by the U.S, Africa Command (AFRICOM), OE21 is designed to improve regional cooperation, maritime domain awareness (MDA), information-sharing practices, and tactical interdiction expertise to enhance the collective capabilities of participating nations to counter sea-based illicit activity.
THE GHANA NAVY WILL HOST OBANGAME EXPRESS 2021
“The Ghana Navy is once again honored to host OBANGAME EXPRESS, the multinational exercise that seeks to build the capacity of the Navies in the Gulf of Guinea Region.
“Our focus will therefore be to ensure the enhancement of interoperability, information sharing, and implementation of laid down inter-agency procedures towards ensuring maritime security by all stakeholders," Ghana’s Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Adm. Issah Yakubu said.
Recall that the U.S. Navy’s Expeditionary Sea Base USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB 4) conducted a tracking exercise with the Ghanaian and Italian navies in the Gulf of Guinea on 28th September 2020.
OE21, one of three U.S. Naval Forces Africa- facilitated regional exercises, is part of a comprehensive strategy by NAVAF-SIXTHFLT and AFRICOM to provide collaborative opportunities for African forces and international partners to address maritime security concerns.
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“The exercise will be conducted in multiple areas at sea and ashore.
“At-sea operations will be conducted throughout the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean. This year marks the second time the exercise will be hosted by Ghana, in its capital city of Accra," Isah Yakubu said.
HENRY CHIDOZIE
Maritime / Crime Analyst
PFSO, CSO (UK Maritime & Coast Guide Certified)
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