The opening ceremony of Grand African Nemo 2025 was held at the Osu Castle in Accra on Monday, 10th November 2025.
The annual maritime security exercise, organised under Yaoundé Architecture in collaboration with the French Navy, brings together countries along the Gulf of Guinea—from Senegal to Ghana, Gabon, and Angola—to strengthen cooperation in maritime safety and security.
Running from 11th to 15th November 2025, the exercise seeks to enhance coordination among West African nations in combating various maritime threats, including piracy, human trafficking, drug trafficking, and illegal fishing, as well as improving search and rescue operations.
According to Commodore Stephen Billince Anyam, Deputy Chief Staff Officer for Operations and Training at the Navy Headquarters, Burma Camp, the exercise plays a crucial role in maintaining safety across the Gulf of Guinea.
He explained, “Every participating country has a specific responsibility. Some focus on counter-piracy operations, others deal with human and drug trafficking, while others are tasked with search and rescue missions. This coordination ensures that we respond swiftly and effectively to threats at sea.”
The Multinational Maritime Coordination Centres (MMCCs) are responsible for ensuring the smooth conduct of the exercise, which is supported annually by the French government through the French Navy. This year marks the 8th edition of Exercise Grand Africa Nemo, also known as GANO 2025.
Commodore Anyam highlighted the positive impact of the initiative over the years, noting that piracy incidents in West African waters have significantly declined.
“In the past, piracy and sea robberies were major challenges along the West African coast. Through consistent collaboration and training under this exercise, we have seen remarkable improvement,” he said.
Story by: Fati Ali Wehyemeh
