Kofi Ampeah Woode
The 69 Special Airborne Force (69 ABF), Tamale has marked a successful completion of Basic Commando Course 1-24, signifying an important milestone as it continues to play the crucial role of training personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) in Commando Courses.
The ceremony which took place on Friday 4 October 2024 at the Barwah Barracks, Tamale, crowns what commenced on Tuesday 18 June, with a total of 29 personnel, and was aimed at equipping participants with the skills, mind-set and resilience required to operate in high-risk environments and contribute effectively to national security objectives.
The Guest of Honour (GoH) for the occasion – Brigadier General (Brig gen) Isaac N Paintsil in his address, thanked the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) for approving the course, and for the immense support given throughout the course.
He also expressed his gratitude to the 6 Garrison Commander – Air Commodore (A/Cdre) Joshua Mensah-Larkai, and the General Officer Commanding (GOC), Northern Command (N/COMD) – Brig Gen Frank Tei for their moral support, pieces of advice and overseeing to the success of the training.
He stated that continuous training of commandoes has become essential due to complex security threat, risks and challenges confronting our nation laying emphasis on the vision of the COAS – to maintain a cohesive, motivated and well-rounded Army capable of undertaking its mission of national defence, as part of the GAF – which he seeks to achieve.
The GoH acknowledged the efforts of the Instructors, Admin Staff, and all persons who assisted in diverse ways in the training of the soldiers, and also commended the soldiers for successfully completing the Commando Course, urging them to continue being loyal, disciplined, professional, masters of their craft, and the nation’s guardians and beacon of hope.
The Commanding Officer (CO), 69 ABF – Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) LY Boakye, in his remark stated that, the current promulgation which christened the Unit 69 Airborne Special Force, is aimed at conducting special operations, as part of the Army Special Operations Brigade (ASOB).
He also mentioned that, at critical times the Unit is expected to act as quick reaction force and a reserve to influence operations conducted by the Ghana Army, hence the need to train more Commandoes.
He congratulated the new Commandoes for the successful completion of the course, and urged them to wear their badges with pride, as their determination and endurance has earned them the unique Commando Badge, and the right to be members of the Tier-2 elite Force of the Ghana Army.
Present at the ceremony were the Commander, Air Force Base, Tamale – Air Cdre Mensah-Larkai, Command Operations Officer, Headquarters, N/COMD – Col Gyebi Abrokwah; Chief Training Officer, ASOB – Lt Col Mintah-Agyemang; CO, 93 Signal Regiment – Lt Col Benjamin Adjei, Officers and Soldiers of 6 Garrison.
Credit: GAF 6 GAR PR DET
