The exceptional effort exhibited by the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) to rescue communities impacted by the recent Akosombo Dam spillage has been commended by Deputy Minister of Defence, Kofi Amankwa-Manu.
Mr Amankwa-Manu complimented the soldiers for their humanitarian relief operations, despite allegations that they were pulled from their duties on orders from high-ranking government officials, which were later refuted by the military high command.
“The response to the Akosombo dam disaster and the support the soldiers offered to the civil and local authorities is commendable to all units of the Ghana Armed Forces, particularly to the 48 Engineer Regiment,” he said.
These statements were delivered during the yearly land combat firepower display exercises held at Bundase Military Training Camp by Mr. Amankwa-Manu, who also serves as the MP for the Ashanti Region’s Atwima Kwanwoma constituency.
Task Force (MNJTF) Commander – Maj. Gen. Michael Amoah-Ayisi, indicated that the demonstration exercise organised for the Five Infantry Battalion was supported by 1 and 2 Infantry Battalion of the Southern Command, 66 Artillery Regiment, 15 Armoured Brigade, 48 Engineers Regiment, 18 Signal Brigade, the Army Special Operations Brigade and the Ghana Navy and Airforce.
This exercise, according to Maj. Gen. Michael Amoah-Ayisi, aims to expose the students to the significant equipment of a battle group and better understand the nature of land environment operations.
“It is common knowledge that the protection of the territorial integrity of Ghana as a country against external aggression is the primary constitutional mandate of the Ghana Armed Forces. It also has a second responsibility of maintaining internal security in support of civil authority” he said.
Therefore, he declared, “The Army regularly trains and exercises vigorously in order to sharpen the skills to top up our readiness for any eventualities,” indicating that the Army is prepared to battle terrorists in order to uphold its constitutionally mandated missions.
In order to combat territorial threats from the Sahel region, especially those posed by Burkina Faso and Togo, the Ghanaian Armed Forces have reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering their security capabilities.
The Ghana Arm Forces have demonstrated their commitment to training soldiers through yearly land combat firepower demonstration exercises in response to the evolving nature of terrorism. These exercises aim to help soldiers grasp the concept of operations and capabilities, as well as how to utilise the fire access available to a battle group.
The annual event forms part of the training curriculum of the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC).
This year’s exercise featured students of the GAFCSC Senior Division Course 45 and was aimed at providing the students with information on the fire assets available to a given battle group and how it is employed on the field of battle.
As part of the demonstration, the students and dignitaries present were given a clear depiction of the various components of an Infantry Battalion, nature of Land Combat Environment, Fire Support Coordination and Combat Supporting Elements.
In line with the scenario, the Ghana Air Force provided air assets for fast roping insertion behind enemy lines and aerial bombardment which aided in the successful execution of the battle plan to eradicate the insurgents.
