Kofi Ampeah Woode
The Office of the Security Cooperation Department of Defence, United States of America (USA) has handed over a Skills House to Ghana Army’s Special Operations Training School to facilitate training of personnel to counter violent extremism (VE) and terrorist action groups (TAGs).
The Skills House for the Army Special Operations Training School (ASOTS), which was commissioned at Daboya, Northern Region of Ghana, on Wednesday 19 February 2025, is the first of its kind to be established in the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), Northern Command (N/COMD) – Brigadier General (Brig Gen) Frank Nartey Tei, who represented the Chief of the Army Staff, Ghana Army – Lieutenant General Bismarck Kwasi Onwona, as the Guest of Honour, expressed gratitude to the American government and its Ambassador to Ghana, for the generous donation.
The GOC stated that, the Skills House signifies strategic and operational partnership translated into collaborative planning and provision of training infrastructure, to support kinetic activities at the tactical level, to counter VE and terrorism.
He added that, the facility will not only improve the capacity and confidence of the Special Operations Force (SOF), but will also train conventional forces in House-Clearing, facilitate Cross-Border training, to strengthen information sharing and cooperation with neighbouring States, and deliver quality training to troops of GAF.
Commander D Collins, speaking on behalf of the USA Ambassador to Ghana – Her Excellency Virginia Palmer, expressed his pride in the long-standing security cooperation partnership between the United States Africa Command (AFRICOMM), and GAF, especially during Exercises FLINTLOCK and AFRICAN LION.
He noted that the construction of the Skills House will enable GAF counter VE organizations, and provide security for the people, while respecting human rights, and building trust within civilian populations.
The Deputy Commander, Ghana Army Special Operations Brigade (ASOB) – Colonel Antwi Awuah Darkwah, expressed gratitude to the US government, the Ambassador and her team for their tireless efforts in making the donation a reality, stating that the facility is evidence to the strong bond and shared values of service, sacrifice, and compassion between the two countries.
He further stated that the event was not a mere ceremony, but a celebration of collaboration, innovation and unwavering commitment to enhancing the capabilities of Special Operations, and the Army at large.
The Commanding Officer ASOTS – Lieutenant Colonel Ernest Darkwah noted the commitment of the governments of Ghana and the USA, for their commitment to strengthen bilateral ties, and enhancing the capabilities of GAF, and thanked Ghana’s Military High Command for their support and encouragement, in striving for excellence.
Present at the ceremony included Commander, Air Force Base Tamale – Air Commodore Joshua Mensah-Larkai; Commander, Army Training Command – Brig Gen Stephen Woseadzikpo Kweku Parbey; Staff Officers from the Army Headquarters, Staff Officers from N/COMD, Officers, Soldiers, Defence Civilian Staff.
Credit: N/COMD PR
