The Chief of Army Staff, Major General Lawrence Kwaku Gbetanu, has urged commanders and personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces to maintain operational readiness and professionalism in addressing emerging security threats following the successful completion of “Exercise Storm Shield” in the Binduri District of the Upper East Region.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the two-week counter-insurgency and internal security exercise at Bazua on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, Major General Gbetanu commended officers, soldiers and sister security agencies for demonstrating resilience, discipline and teamwork throughout the demanding operation.
Addressing the gathering, which included representatives from the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana Prisons Service, Ghana National Fire Service, the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, the Bureau of National Investigations and other security agencies, the Army Chief noted that the exercise had strengthened inter-agency collaboration and operational preparedness.
“For the past two weeks, you have lived and operated in the field under trying conditions that mirror the complexities of the operational environment in this region. You have tested your mental and physical endurance, sharpened your drills and skills, and configured yourselves to operate as a composite force,” he stated.
According to him, the exercise reaffirmed that the Ghana Army and the Ghana Armed Forces remain “capable, dependable and mission-ready” in defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country.
The Chief of Army Staff explained that the training focused on realistic internal security and counter-insurgency operations aimed at preparing personnel to respond effectively to modern security threats such as terrorism, insurgency and transnational crimes within the sub-region.
He emphasised that the exercise was not only about military tactics and manoeuvres but also about building confidence, strengthening leadership and enhancing coordination among security agencies.
“This exercise was not merely about tactics and manoeuvres. It was about building confidence, enhancing leadership at all levels, improving coordination, and reinforcing the fighting spirit that defines the Ghanaian soldier,” he stressed.
Major General Gbetanu further praised the role played by the various security institutions, particularly the Ghana Police Service for its contribution to public order management and intelligence gathering, as well as the Immigration and Customs divisions for supporting border security operations in the sensitive Bawku enclave.
He noted that modern security challenges require a collective approach, stressing that no single agency can tackle emerging threats alone.
“The threat we face is adaptive, networked, and thrives on gaps between agencies. Your ability to plan, communicate, and operate together over these 10 days has closed those gaps,” he said.
The ceremony also observed a minute’s silence in memory of Private Adotey Abossey Naphtali, a Physical Training Instructor with the 6th Infantry Battalion, who reportedly lost his life during a blast incident in the Binduri Forest while participating in the exercise.
Major General Gbetanu described the deceased soldier as committed and dedicated to duty, extending condolences to his family and colleagues.
He urged commanders at all levels to critically assess lessons from the exercise and institutionalise best practices to improve future operations.
“As soldiers of Ghana, we remain guided by our constitutional mandate to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our beloved nation. The Ghanaian people continue to place immense trust and confidence in the Armed Forces, and we must always strive to justify that trust through professionalism, integrity, loyalty and selfless service,” he stated.
He encouraged personnel to sustain the momentum generated from the exercise and remain prepared to respond decisively whenever duty calls.
A1 Radio | 101.1 MHz | Moses Apiah | Binduri
