By Buertey Francis BORYOR
The outgoing Defence Attaché at the Embassy of Denmark in Ghana, Lieutenant Colonel Lasse Sand, has said his country envisions a maritime industry in West Africa where shipping companies can operate freely without the need for private security, ensuring that vessels move safely and anchor without threat.
In an exclusive interview with the Business and Financial Times (B&FT), Sand stated that this vision guides efforts to strengthen maritime security and defence ties with Ghana and the broader Gulf of Guinea region.
“Safe anchoring and free movement of vessels is a top priority for the world’s largest shipping nations, including Denmark – which is home to major companies like Maersk.
“At any given time, 40 to 50 Danish-owned or Danish-flagged vessels operate in these waters, making the safety of maritime trade an economic and strategic necessity,” he elaborated.
Highlighting defence projects under the Peace and Stabilisation Fund, he indicated that Denmark has been working with Ghana’s Special Boat Squadron for over three years, helping to build and strengthen the unit from scratch. “This has been done in partnership with Denmark’s elite Frogman Corps, a special forces unit specialising in maritime security,” he added.
Beyond military training support, he noted that it has funded the construction of a ship-in-a-box – a training facility made from repurposed shipping containers.
“This innovative structure, which resembles a ship, enables the Ghana Navy to practice boarding exercises and respond to various maritime threats, including piracy and smuggling,” he explained, adding that similar facilities are being set up in Nigeria as part of his country’s regional efforts.
Furthermore, he said, a state-of-the-art Bridge Simulator has been installed at Ghana’s Navy Training Command, enabling officers to gain hands-on experience.
“The Bridge Simulator acts like a real ship’s bridge, where sailors practice controlling a ship. It feels you are in a real ship when you step into it. It allows the navy officers to train without needing real ships, which saves money and lets ships stay available for actual operations.”
Building capacity to counter terrorism
Moreover, the Lieutenant Colonel said Denmark is helping the nation secure its boarders where there is a risk of terrorist infiltration from nearby countries. According to him, the Danish government has been supporting the Ghana Army’s Special Operations Brigade with training, mentoring and logistics.
“Recent donations include a kennel for military dogs, fast rope equipment for helicopter operations and vehicles to enhance mobility We are not operating with them directly; we are training trainers to build capacity,” Sand stressed.
In addition to these projects, he said, it is funding the construction of a diving pool at Navy Training Command. This facility – the largest of its kind in the region – will help divers train safely, according to him.
He also mentioned that his nation is sponsoring a Ghanaian naval doctor to study underwater medicine in South Africa.
Strengthening regional maritime corporation
Furthermore, Sand said Denmark is aiming to strengthen maritime security across the Gulf of Guinea, but noted there are regional challenges that need to be dealt with.
For instance, he said the Yaoundé framework – set up 12 years ago to coordinate security in the Gulf of Guinea – lacks sufficient funding and staff.
“A lot of the centres in the structure are not fully staffed, creating security gaps. For this system to work there must be political will across the region to prioritise maritime security,” he explained.
To support this vision, he noted that Denmark has been facilitating high-level conferences that bring together naval chiefs, academics and industry stakeholders from across Africa. These forums, he said, provide a platform for discussing common challenges and developing solutions to maritime security threats.
What is next for Denmark and Ghana?
As the Defence Attaché concludes his tenure in the country and takes up new responsibilities in Kenya, he reflected on the progress made under his watch. “We have built a strong foundation for maritime security in Ghana,” he said.
He also hinted at the possibility of expanding Denmark’s maritime security initiatives to include the country’s inland waterways. “In the future, we could take maritime security into Ghana’s rivers; this signals a new frontier for collaboration,” he noted.
Since Denmark’s security cooperation with the country is set to expire at the end of 2026, Sand hinted at a potential extension.
