Air Vice Marshal Frederick Asare Kwasi Bekoe, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), has called on the Ghana Armed Forces to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, reinforcing the essential role the military plays in national security.
He emphasised that, with another election approaching, the military must safeguard the peace and stability Ghana has enjoyed throughout the Fourth Republic.
The Ghana Armed Forces recently held an extensive Land Combat Firepower Demonstration Exercise at the Battle Training Camp in Bundase.
The exercise, designed for students of the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC) Senior Division, demonstrated joint operational capabilities, with support from both the Ghana Navy and Air Force.
The event served to boost combat readiness, hone land combat skills, and underscore the Armed Forces’ commitment to national security as Ghana prepares for its upcoming elections.
Addressing the gathering at Bundase on Friday, Air Vice Marshal Bekoe stressed the military’s role in upholding a peaceful, democratic election process.
“In the next few days, Ghana will go to the polls. Our security agencies, especially the military, must bring our professionalism to bear to preserve our democratic status and protect against any threats,” he stated.
He also highlighted the ongoing importance of training exercises in Bundase to equip the Armed Forces and to counter both domestic and external threats.
Brigadier General Samuel Yeboah Asare, General Officer Commanding (GOC) Southern Command, welcomed the dignitaries and other guests, overseeing an exercise that brought together multiple battalions.
This year’s event was led by two Infantry Battalions, with 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. Contributions from the Ghana Navy and Air Force enhanced the demonstration, showcasing the effectiveness of joint operations.
The exercise aimed to immerse GAFCSC students in real-world combat scenarios, highlighting strategies for employing deep, close, and real operations in a land environment.
“The Ghana Army is the lead service in land-based operations to safeguard our territorial integrity,” Brigadier General Asare noted. “Today’s exercise is a testament to our readiness to respond to any threat.”
The 98 participating students from GAFCSC, including representatives from allied African nations, engaged in the exercise, offering a valuable opportunity for regional cooperation and knowledge exchange. These allied forces joined Ghana’s troops in simulating coordinated responses to hypothetical threats, reflecting the Ghana Armed Forces’ dedication to both national and regional peace.
Expressing appreciation, Assistant Commandant of GAFCSC Senior Division, Air Commodore Thomas Nii Fio Okai, extended thanks to Chief of Defence Staff Thomas Oppong Peprah and the Service Chiefs for their support and resources.
“The assistance from the Service Commanders was immense, enabling us to conduct Land, Maritime, and Air Force demonstrations over several weeks. We owe them our gratitude and look forward to their continued support,” he remarked.
