Kofi Ampeah Woode
A delegation from the European Union (EU) Commission to Ghana has visited Ghana Army’s (GA) Northern Command (N/COMD), to work on proposals for future support to the Command, and to inquire of challenges faced by the Formation, with the aim of improving security systems around Ghana’s Northern Frontiers.
The 3-person entourage, led by Brigadier General (Brig Gen) J Deman (Rtd), visited the Command Headquarters, Camp Nyohini, Tamale, on Wednesday 19 April 2023, and were received by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), N/COMD – Brig Gen Matthew Essien.
In a brief to his guests, General M Essien was emphatic that Ghana’s Military High Command (MHC) is working assiduously to get the military to a standard that would make it robust, to counter threats that may emanate from any part of the West African sub-region, against the country.
General Essien averred that there is the need for close collaboration with international partners of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), such as the EU, to facilitate in the improvement and provision of infrastructure, equipment and training support, since terrorism is a global threat.
The GOC stated further that with their equipment state and training being up to standard, troops under his Command would be proactive in ensuring the safety of Ghana’s Northern Borders, against terrorism threats. He, thus, entreated the EU team to help fast track requests, to make the Accra Initiative fully operational.
In response, Brig Gen Deman (Rtd) assured Brig Gen Essien of the EU’s readiness and commitment to have a fruitful partnership with the Ghana Army, hence pledged to make the EU Commission aware of the challenges disclosed to the team, and will propose realistic ways to improve military operations in northern Ghana.
