The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) have been put on high alert to deal with any global and regional threats of terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organised crime
and human trafficking that continue to threaten the peace and security of nations globally.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) the Northern Command, Brigadier-General Francis Ofori, expressed this readiness of the GAF to deal with any threat of such situation at the passing out of 38 soldiers of the GAF at the 69 Airborne Force Base at the Bawah Barracks in Tamale last Friday.
Training
The eight-week Airborne Commando Course 1-2018 was to train additional commandos capable of responding to the current asymmetric threats facing the world.
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The training also formed part of measures to prepare personnel of the GAF in case of any unexpected situation that is capable of undermining the security of the country.
The training comprised body selection, pre-selection ground training and parachute jumping.
The soldiers were also trained to drop far behind enemy lines, move under fire, raid enemy camp, rescue colleagues and handle improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
A Casa-295 aircraft which was flying at 1,200 feet above ground level dropped the soldiers at the James Annor Drop Zone to climax the eight-week training session.
The soldiers who went through the training successfully were decorated with wings and certificates of recognition.
Threats of terrorism
Brig. Gen. Ofori stated that the continued threat of terrorism and violent and organised crimes globally had become a menace that needed to be confronted, saying that the training would provide the GAF the synergy required in dealing with those threats and other national security issues.
“Civil and local authorities will look up to us to provide the environment necessary for governance, and as you are aware, the 69 Special Airborne Force is a designated special force with a counter-terrorism capability to support in any coordinated multi-agency action, if necessary, to prevent terrorist attacks and ensure a coordinated and timely response,” he added.
He said the passing-out ceremony marked a milestone in the careers of the graduates because it was a moment they had always dreamt about and wished for in their lives.
Protect civilians
Brig. Gen. Ofori called on the young soldiers to uphold the discipline that the GAF was noted for and urged them to protect the civilian population and not harm them.
He commended the Commanding Officer of the Airborne Force and the other instructors of the unit for their dedication and hard work in the training of the graduates.
The Northern Regional Minister, Mr Salifu Saeed, in his address, congratulated the graduates on their hard work and dedication throughout the eight-week training session.
He said the men had demonstrated that they were ever ready to maintain and improve the security of the country.
The Commanding Officer of the 69 Airborne Force at the Bawah Barracks, Lieutenant Colonel Antwi Awuah Darkwah, commended the men for their dedication, discipline and hard work during the course.
Source: Graphic online
