Kofi Ampeah Woode
The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) – Major General (Maj Gen) Bismarck Kwasi Onwona has embarked on his maiden tour to the Gondar Barracks, visiting the Headquarters of 15 Armoured Brigade (15 ARMD BDE), Army Special Operations Brigade (ASOB), 153 Armoured Regiment (153 ARMD REGT) and 64 Infantry Regiment (64 INF REGT).
The visit which took place on Wednesday, 3 April 2024 was aimed at bolstering operational readiness and enhancing coordination within the Ghana Army, and also afforded the COAS an opportunity to introduce himself to troops, outline his vision and mission, and gain first-hand insights into their operational requirements and challenges.
The COAS was welcomed with a Guard of Honour at the Headquarters of both 15 ARMD BDE 64 INF REGT, after which he engaged in discussions with Commanders and Key Appointment Holders, emphasizing the importance of readiness, operational effectiveness, and strategic planning.
He was briefed on the current capabilities, challenges, and ongoing operations of each Unit, gaining valuable insights into their roles and responsibilities within the broader framework of national defence.
At 15 ARMD BDE Headquarters, the Brigade Commander – Brigadier General (Brig Gen) Ben Gah briefed the COAS on the Brigade’s armoured capabilities, equipment inventory, and readiness levels.
He expounded on training programmes of the Brigade, maintenance protocols, and future modernization plans aimed at strengthening combat readiness and capability, and also highlighted some challenges of the Brigade, which needed immediate Command attention.
At ASOB, the Brigade Commander – Brig Gen Isaac Nicholas Paintsil outlined the Brigade’s specialised training and its pivotal role in conducting high-risk operations, to ensure national security.
He stated that Special Forces play a critical role in addressing a range of security challenges, from counterterrorism and counterinsurgency to unconventional warfare and humanitarian assistance, often operating with precision, agility, and discretion to achieve mission success, and thus require special weapons, training equipment, seasoned instructors, intelligence, adequate protective clothing, and some motivational packages.
On their part, the Commanding Officer of 153 Armoured Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) David Korsah and the Commander Rear of 64 Infantry Battalion – Lt Col Prince Owusu provided detailed overview of the capabilities of their respective Regiments, and touched on training programmes, equipment maintenance, future readiness initiatives as well as challenges.
The COAS and his entourage also toured the facilities of the various Brigades and Regiments, and inspected ongoing projects and equipment depots, and crowned the visit with a centralized All Ranks Durbar at the Arakan Methodist Presby Church, where the COAS addressed all personnel and listened to their concerns.
He further commended all Officers, Soldiers and Defence Civilian Staff, for their dedication to duty and reaffirmed his support for their welfare and operational needs.
Credit: GHANA ARMY PR
