GAF demonstrates combat readiness to defend Ghana

November 6, 2026

2 minutes read

THE Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has demonstrated its combat readiness and commitment to defending the nation’s territorial integrity and national security at the 2026 Land Combat Firepower Demonstration.

The exercise also exposed troops to the realities of modern warfare, enabling them to appreciate the complexities of the battlefield and the coordination required to execute joint combat operations effectively.

Addressing the gathering at the Battle Training Camp, Bundase, in Accra on Friday, the Vice-Chairperson of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, Mr Peter Lanchene Toobu, said the demonstration sent a strong message to potential aggressors that Ghana was prepared to defend itself.

He said the exercise was important in showcasing the military’s capabilities and preparedness to fulfil its constitutional mandate of defending the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Mr Toobu praised Ghanaian soldiers for their professionalism, integrity and reliability, drawing on his experiences working alongside them during United Nations peacekeeping missions in various African countries.

According to him, the exercise was not merely a demonstration but an opportunity to build the capabilities of troops and affirm their readiness to protect the country and maintain peace.

Mr Toobu commended the military for completing the exercise without casualties, noting that he had hoped for a safe conclusion, particularly given the sounds of artillery and gunfire during the demonstration.

Sharing his key takeaways from the exercise, Mr Toobu stated that he had learnt three important military concepts: interdicting the enemy, neutralising hostile forces and destroying their logistical bases.

He urged the public to respect military personnel and desist from attacking men and women in uniform, stressing that soldiers’ restraint towards civilians should not be mistaken for weakness or an inability to defend themselves.

He further suggested that future demonstrations should incorporate night operations and exercises in forest environments to showcase the military’s capabilities under different operational conditions.

The Commander of the Joint Task Force Warrior, Brigadier General Edward Awaribey, said the exercise was a key activity on the GAF’s annual operational training calendar.

He explained that it was organised primarily for students of the Senior Division of the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and the practical application of tactical operations and combat firepower.

He emphasised that the exercise also sought to strengthen interoperability, expose participants to the realities of modern warfare and prepare the next generation of operational commanders.

Brigadier General Awaribey said the 5th Infantry Battalion led the exercise, supported by personnel from the 1st and 2nd Infantry Battalions, 16 Artillery Brigade, 15 Armoured Brigade, 14 Engineer Brigade, 17 Army Signal Brigade and the Army Special Operations Brigade.

The Navy and Air Force also participated, demonstrating the military’s capacity to coordinate operations across the land, sea and air domains.

FROM STEPHANIE BIRIKORANG, BUNDASE

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