Air Vice Marshal Frederick Asare Kwasi Bekoe, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), has urged the Ghana Armed Forces to maintain the highest levels of professionalism, underscoring the critical role the military plays in preserving national security.
With elections approaching, he emphasized the importance of the military’s commitment to safeguarding the peace and stability that Ghana has enjoyed throughout the Fourth Republic.
The Ghana Armed Forces recently conducted a comprehensive Land Combat Firepower Demonstration Exercise at the Battle Training Camp in Bundase.
This exercise, organized for students of the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC) Senior Division, highlighted the joint operational capabilities of the military, with support from the Ghana Navy and Air Force.
This event aimed to enhance combat readiness, sharpen land warfare skills, and reaffirm the Armed Forces’ dedication to national security ahead of the elections.
Addressing attendees at Bundase, Air Vice Marshal Bekoe underscored the military’s responsibility in ensuring a peaceful, democratic election process.
“As Ghana prepares to go to the polls, our security forces, particularly the military, must uphold professionalism to protect our democracy and counter any potential threats,” he stated.
He also reiterated the importance of ongoing training exercises at Bundase to equip the Armed Forces for both domestic and international security challenges.
Brigadier General Samuel Yeboah Asare, General Officer Commanding (GOC) Southern Command, welcomed dignitaries and guests, overseeing the event which showcased the involvement of various battalions in a unified effort.
Led by two infantry battalions, the exercise received additional support from the 1st and 5th Infantry Battalions, the 66th Artillery Regiment, the 15th Armoured Brigade, the 48th Engineers Regiment, the 70th Signals Brigade, and the Army Special Operations Brigade.
The Ghana Navy and Air Force also participated, underscoring the effectiveness of joint military operations.
The exercise provided GAFCSC students with a practical experience of combat scenarios, showcasing strategies for deep, close, and rear operations within a land-based environment.
“The Ghana Army is the lead service in land operations, committed to defending our territorial integrity,” noted Brigadier General Asare.
“Today’s exercise reflects our readiness to respond to any threat.”
The 98 students from GAFCSC, including representatives from allied African nations, benefited from the exercise as a valuable platform for regional cooperation and knowledge sharing.
Participating forces worked alongside Ghanaian troops in simulating coordinated responses to hypothetical threats, reinforcing the Ghana Armed Forces’ commitment to both national and regional stability.
Expressing gratitude, Air Commodore Thomas Nii Fio Okai, Assistant Commandant of GAFCSC Senior Division, acknowledged Chief of Defence Staff Thomas Oppong Peprah and the Service Chiefs for their support and resources.
“The assistance from our Service Commanders was invaluable, allowing us to conduct comprehensive land, maritime, and air demonstrations over several weeks.
We appreciate their support and anticipate its continuation,” he remarked.
Brigadier General Samuel Yeboah Asare further emphasized the Ghana Armed Forces’ commitment to national security, addressing external threats to the country’s sovereignty.
Speaking at the Land Combat and Fire Power Demonstration Exercise, he highlighted the importance of enhancing the skills and preparedness of ground troops to handle both domestic and external challenges effectively.
The demonstration, held at the Army Peace Operations Training School (APOTS) in Bundase near Accra, was part of Senior Course 46’s training at GAFCSC.
The exercise showcased the Ghana Armed Forces’ operational capabilities through a simulated battle, attended by senior officer students from the GAF, as well as allied officers from other African nations.
Brigadier General Asare emphasized the importance of the exercise as a demonstration of the GAF’s readiness to defend Ghana’s territorial integrity.
Utilizing fire assets and tactical formations, the event underscored the GAF’s commitment to addressing external threats and maintaining national security.
“The objective of this exercise is to enable students to understand the effective deployment of battle group assets, forming a joint task force to lead an operational framework, while exploring the Ghana Army’s operational concepts, land combat environments, and military equipment,” he explained.
This collaborative event, involving various infantry battalions, supporting units, and air and naval assistance, demonstrated the Ghana Armed Forces’ readiness to counter aggression and ensure internal stability.
Participating units included the 1st Battalion of Infantry (1BN), 2nd Battalion of Infantry (2BN), 64th Battalion of Infantry (64BN), and the 66th Artillery Regiment, alongside the 15th Armoured Brigade and 48th Engineers Regiment.
The Army Special Operations Brigade provided essential support, with contributions from the Ghana Air Force and Navy reinforcing the Armed Forces’ commitment to Ghana’s security.
