Kofi Ampeah Woode
6 Garrison of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), in conjunction with the Northern Regional Police Command has commenced a 4-week pre-deployment training for Operation PEACE TRAIL – a national assignment activated periodically for the conduct of peaceful national elections.
The commencement ceremony was held at the Justice Opoku Hall, Kamina Barracks, Tamale, on Tuesday 8 October 2024.
In a speech delivered on behalf of the Garrison Commander – Air Commodore Joshua Mensah-Larkai, by the Commanding Officer (CO), Supply Wing – Wing Commander (Wg Cdr) Emmanuel Larbi, he reminded participants of the significance of their mandate.
“The General Election is not only a cornerstone of our democracy, but also a pivotal moment for our nation’s future”, the Garrison Commander emphasized, noting that the responsibility of the security services is to ensure that every Ghanaian can exercise their franchise, in an atmosphere of peace, safety and respect.
He further added that the training is an opportunity to “refine our skills, strengthen collaboration and foster inter-agency relationships that are essential for collective success”, thus charging them to remain resolute in their commitment to safeguard Ghana’s democracy, and protect the rights of fellow citizens.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), Northern Command (N/COMD) – Brigadier General (Brig Gen) Frank Nartey Tei, in his address advised participants to collaborate with sister security agencies to prevent violence, intimidation or disruption that could mar the electoral processes.
He added that relevant and carefully selected topics, such as Rules of Engagement, Human Rights, Role of the military in democracy, and Role of the police in electoral process, would be taught to prepare the troops adequately, to discharge their duties professionally and effectively.
He commended the CO, 6 Infantry Battalion, and the Regional Police Commander, for putting the training together, and urged participants to take the training seriously.
The Northern Regional Police Commander – Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Mr Eric Winful, urged the participants to learn from each other, since the two services have different dynamics in the conduct of their operations, and also called on the participants to create a united front to respond to any challenge that may arise during the elections.
Present at the ceremony included the Command Operations Officer, HQ N/COMD – Col Gyebi-Abrokwah; CO, 93 Signal Regiment – Lt Col B Adjei; 6 Infantry Battalion – Col Jerry Ankuyi; Officers, Soldiers of 6 Garrison, and Representatives from the Ghana Police Service.
Credit: GAF 6 GAR PR DET
