Eyes in the Sky: Boosting Ghana’s Naval Intelligence

As part of the European Union Security and Defense Initiative for the Gulf of Guinea (EU SDI GoG), military personnel from the Headquarters Battalion of the Canary Islands Brigade (BRICAN) XVI are conducting a specialized training course in imagery intelligence for members of the Ghanaian Navy in the city of Accra since March 16.

For four weeks, Staff Sergeant Carlos Alberto Moreno Mujica and Private Borja Alonso Torres are sharing their knowledge and experience in the field of imagery intelligence (IMINT) with fourteen members of the Ghanaian Armed Forces. 

As Staff Sergeant Moreno Mujica notes: “This experience is proving enriching for personnel from both countries. The Ghanaian military personnel are very interested in acquiring this capability for image analysis and the development of IMINT reports, which will have an immediate impact on their daily work. It is worth noting that the treatment we got at all times has been great, and an excellent relationship has been forged thanks to this cooperation.” 

All in all, this training exercise demonstrates the commitment of the Spanish Army to international cooperation missions and to strengthening defense capabilities in West Africa, which directly contributes to regional security and stability in the Gulf of Guinea.

EU SDI GoG

The EU Security and Defence Initiative in Support of West African Countries of the Gulf of Guinea (EU SDI GoG) is an EU initiative under the Common Security and Defence Policy. It brings together military and civilian experts to help Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, and Benin enhance their security and defense capabilities, addressing security threats and preventing the spread of insecurity from the Sahel to the West African coastal states.

Since October 2024, following a planning process at the European level, Spain has actively participated in the EU SDI GoG. To date, Spanish military personnel have conducted several training courses in Benin, Ivory Coast, and Ghana. In terms of content, the training has covered topics ranging from the identification of military equipment used by various armies around the world, the preparation of various IMINT reports, and the ability to conduct intelligence assessments, always in accordance with the interests of the Armed Forces of the African countries involved.