Kofi Ampeah Woode
The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), Major General Bismarck Kwasi Onwona has commissioned a state-of-the-art Heavy-Duty Equipment Plant Yard for Engineer Training School (ETS) sponsored by the German Armed Forces Technical Advisory Group (GAFTAG) on Wednesday, 19 June 2024, amidst a flurry of activities at the ETS premises.
Christened, Brigadier General E Lord-Attivor Heavy-Duty Plant Equipment Yard, the newly commissioned yard represents a significant advancement for the ETS, providing cutting-edge facilities essential for storage of the next generation of military engineers Heavy-Duty Equipment. This initiative underscores Ghana’s dedication to modernizing its defence infrastructure and fostering international partnerships in military education and technology.
Accompanying the commissioning event, the ETS organized a comprehensive closing ceremony for its 2024 first half courses, covering disciplines such as electrical engineering technology, building and construction technology, and wood construction technology.
The gathering also marked the closing of the maiden Engineers Young Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers’ course, alongside the completion of Level 100 by the inaugural cohorts of the Engineer Training School’s Bachelor of Technology program.
Speaking as the Guest of Honour at the event, the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), Major General Bismarck Kwasi Onwona expressed his heartfelt appreciation to GAFTAG and the German government for their invaluable support and commitment to enhancing Ghana’s defence capabilities.
He commended the dedication and commitment of the graduating personnel and emphasised the critical role of continuous training and modern infrastructure in enhancing the defence and expansion programme of the Ghana Armed Forces.
On his part, the head of GAFTAG, Lieutenant Colonel Andreas Heselschwerdt highlighted the mutual benefits of the partnership, noting that the collaboration not only enhances Ghana’s defence capabilities but also strengthens diplomatic relations between the two countries. He expressed confidence in the ability of the ETS to leverage the new infrastructure effectively to train highly skilled engineers capable of addressing modern security challenges.
He emphasized Germany’s dedication to continuing its support as long as the bilateral agreement between the two nations remains in effect. This commitment underscores Germany’s strategic interest in fostering technical cooperation and capacity-building initiatives in Ghana’s defence sector.
The ceremony was attended by high-ranking military officials, dignitaries, and representatives from the German Armed Forces and the United States Armed Forces.
Credit: GHANA ARMY PR
