Kofi Ampeah Woode
The Ambassador of Israel to Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone – His Excellency Roey Gilad met with the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), Ghana Army – Lieutenant General (Lt Gen) Bismarck Kwasi Onwona, and made a comprehensive brief on the current situation in Israel, and the defence mechanisms employed in conflict zones such as Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria.
On Tuesday 4 February 2025, at the visit at Army Headquarters in Burma Camp, Accra, Ambassador Gilad, who expressed appreciation for the warm reception and highlighted the long-standing bilateral relationship between Israel and Ghana, was accompanied by Israel’s Defence Attaché to Africa – Colonel (Col) Aviezer Segal, and his Deputy – Major Hod Bass.
The Ambassador acknowledged the significant contributions of Ghana Armed Forces personnel in international peacekeeping efforts, particularly in Lebanon, and expressed expectations to developing more defence strategies, to address the security challenges faced by the Middle-East and the West Africa.
In response, Lt Gen BK Onwona acknowledged the strong defence cooperation between Ghana and Israel, citing the neutral relationship between Israel and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), as a model worth emulating.
He emphasized that while Ghana remains peaceful, the fight against terrorism is a global concern, of which neighbouring countries have been affected, thus Ghana could learn from Israel’s capabilities to enhance its readiness.
Thanking the State of Israel for ensuring the safety of Ghanaian troops in Lebanon, despite ongoing conflict impacts and ceasefire negotiations, General Onwona also asserted that the partnership between the two nations is expected to foster knowledge, intelligence sharing, capacity building, and strengthened relationships for mutual benefits.
As a token of appreciation for the visit, Lt Gen Onwona presented Col A Segal with a Kente stole and plaque, whiles the IDF Senior Officer, in turn, presented a prototype of the Jerusalem Cup, to the COAS.
Credit: GHANA ARMY PR
