US Navy vessel arrives in Ghana to give humanitarian aid

High Speed Vessel Swift (HSV 2), a US Navy facility has arrived in Ghana as part of its 2012 Africa Partnership Station (APS).

The vessel last year August docked at the Sekondi Port to offer instructional training for some forces of the Ghana Navy. The HSV 2 is an Australian built, privately-owned, privately-operated vessel that has been militarized for the US Navy.

But this, officials say, the HSV 2 which got to the country’s shores August 12, will be providing some humanitarian aid especially in health for the Ghanaian people.

“A team of doctors and nurses on the vessel will conduct the Medical Civic Action Programme (MEDCAP) during a three-day outreach event at Supomu Dunkwa Health Centre,” a statement issued by the US Embassy in Accra said August 14, 2012.

The statement adds that the event begins August, 14 and, along with providing health care services to the public, the medical team will also work with health professionals from Ghana to share information and best practices.

Swift will also offload various humanitarian supplies as part of Project Handclasp, which is a US Navy initiative that accepts and transports educational, humanitarian, and goodwill material overseas by ship on a space available basis.

By Ekow Quandzie