The School of Maritime Operations (SMOPS) has held a closing ceremony for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS)Boarding Officers Course 3 at the Naval Training Command, Sogakope on Friday 8 August 2025.

The upgrade course aims to enhance the capacity ofuniformed maritime operations personnel in West Africa and strengthened regional cooperation and collective efforts in securing the Gulf of Guinea.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Guest of Honour and Acting Commanding Officer of SMOPS, Commander Emilio Okyere-Dadzie, commended participants for their commitment to maritime safety, security and prosperity.

He noted that illicit activities in the Gulf of Guinea have caused significant losses to West African nations and expressed optimism that the specialised VBSS training would help mitigate these threats.

He congratulated the trainees for completing the course with dedication and discipline, urging them to leave with fond memories, maintain professional networks and pursue the broader goal of a safe. maritime domain.

The UNODC Country Specialist, Lieutenant Commander Shalom Elorm Yao Morladza, emphasised that the training has created an avenue for coordination and information sharing among maritime agencies, ensuring ease of operations with a shared goal.

He encouraged participants to build strong professional networks and foster cooperation to safeguard the region’s coastal waters.