Kofi Ampeah Woode
As part of Operation (Op) CONQUERED FIST, 11 Mechanized Battalion (11 Mech Bn) conducts Long-Range Patrols along Ghana’s borders with Burkina Faso and Togo, in tandem with the operational concept of the Northern Command (N/COMD) of the Ghana Army, and national security architecture.
On Thursday 4 July 2024, 11 Mech Bn commenced routine long range patrols in their Area of Responsibility (AOR), and had their Commanding Officer – Lieutenant Colonel Isaac K Boako brief the General Officer Commanding (GOC), N/COMD – Brigadier General Frank Nartey Tei, as part of activities of Op CONQUERED FIST.
The Long-Range patrol aims to dominate areas along the Ghana-Burkina Faso-Togo Border, and deter terrorist infiltration, as it monitors civilian activities along the border, identifies possible sleeper cells and base camps of terrorists.
Furthermore, it identifies potential sources of terrorist financing within the area, as well as areas vulnerable to radicalization and violent extremism (VE), and supports efforts of other security services to prevent terrorism within the Upper East and North East Regions of Ghana.
The Long-Range patrols have significantly contributed to maintaining stability and security in the border regions and have played a pivotal role in safeguarding the local population and promoting peace, whiles the Patrol Team’s efforts have enhanced support for other security services, strengthened counter-terrorism (CT) efforts in the Upper East and North East Regions of Ghana, creating a more cohesive and effective security environment.
With the current terrorist activities in the Sahel, it is expedient that the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) maintains its robust surveillance and combat patrols along its borders to prevent any terrorist infiltration, and residents along the Ghana-Burkina Faso-Togo border have expressed appreciation, acknowledged the military presence, and indicated their willingness to provide information on security breaches in the Regions.
Nonetheless, the presence of nomadic herdsmen, illegal migrants, refugees and smuggling activities remains a security challenge, and has the propensity of undermining regional stability and potentially funding terrorist organizations.
Despite these challenges, the patrols stabilize the border regions and contribute to the strategic objectives of preventing terrorism, and enhancing regional peace and security.
Credit: N/COMD HQ
