Commodore (Cdre) Samuel Ayelazono has handed over command of the Western Naval Command (WNC) to Commodore Stephen Billins-Nyam, who takes over as the new Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) WNC. The colourful handing and taking over ceremony was held at the Harry Seshie Drill Square, Naval Base Sekondi, on Friday, 21 August 2026, marking the formal transfer of authority and responsibility of the Command to the new FOC. The ceremony also featured the signing and exchange of handing-over notes, and the symbolic handing over of the helm of Command.
In his farewell address, Commodore Ayelazono expressed appreciation to the Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing, for finding him worthy to serve as the FOC WNC. He also expressed gratitude to Officers, Command Coxswains, Ratings and Defence Civilian Staff of the Command for their support, loyalty and commitment throughout his tenure. He urged personnel to extend the same support to the new FOC while upholding the core values of loyalty and service before self.
Commodore Ayelazono further encouraged personnel to maintain the high standards of discipline, professionalism, teamwork and operational readiness required to effectively deliver on the mandate of the Ghana Navy. Reflecting on his tenure, Commodore Ayelazono highlighted the construction of a 1,000-seater auditorium as one of the notable achievements under his leadership. He also expressed appreciation to traditional leaders and corporate institutions for their support during his tenure.
The Guest of Honour and Western Regional Minister, Honourable (Hon)Joseph Nelson, commended Commodore Ayelazono for his honourable and dedicated service to the nation. He described his tenure as a period of distinguished service and, on behalf of the Western Regional Security Council, commended him for his exemplary leadership.
Hon Nelson congratulated and welcomed Commodore Stephen Billins-Nyam on his appointment as the new FOC WNC.
He underscored the Ghana Navy’s shared responsibility in securing Ghana’s maritime domain and protecting offshore facilities. He urged personnel of the Command to continue upholding its values, stressing that although command may change hands, the mission remains the same.
The Chief Staff Officer at the Naval Headquarters, Commodore Ben Baba Abdul, presented a plaque on behalf of the CNS, to Commodore Ayelazono in recognition of his dedicated to service.
Gifts and citations were also presented to the outgone FOC by the WNC, Naval Logistics Command, Ghana Navy Fleet, 2 Garrison Education Office, and various groups and associations.
The ceremony was attended by the Base Commander, Airforce Base Takoradi, Group Captain Kwabena Krampa Antwi, members of the Western Regional Security Council, Senior Officers, Officers, Ratings and Defence Civilian Staff from various commands, the Member of Parliament for Effia-Kwesimintsim Constituency, Hon Fiifi Buckman, traditional leaders and representatives of corporate institutions.
Story by: Cpl Agyare Bismark
Pictures by : AC1 Ankomah Robert Peters and Sackey Jasper
