Ghana Armed Forces begin three-week counter-insurgency exercise in Oti Region

The Ghana Armed Forces have commenced a three-week internal security and counter-insurgency preparedness exercise, dubbed Exercise Starlight Stretch III, in the Oti Region.

The exercise is aimed at strengthening the readiness of personnel to respond effectively to the increasingly complex security threats facing Ghana and the wider sub-region.

It will also test formation-level planning and coordination for internal security and counter-insurgency operations, while improving interoperability among combat, combat support and combat service support units, as well as partner security and civilian institutions.

The training will further deepen personnel’s understanding and application of the legal frameworks governing military operations, including the Rules of Engagement, Law of Armed Conflict, respect for human rights and established Standard Operating Procedures.

Participants will undergo training in several military competencies, including physical endurance, fieldcraft, battle drills, tactical combat care, communications, convoy protection, drone awareness and intelligence-led operations.

Speaking at the opening of the exercise in Nkwanta on Tuesday, August 11, Command Operations Officer at the Headquarters of the Southern Command, Colonel Lawrence Seddoh Agbedoawu, said the exercise would cover a broad range of internal security operations beyond counter-insurgency.

Representing the General Officer Commanding the Southern Command, Brigadier General Edward Awaribey, Colonel Agbedoawu said the troops would receive intensive and realistic training in areas including countering violent extremism and terrorism.

He explained that Exercise Starlight Stretch III would progressively enhance individual proficiency, small-unit competence, tactical decision-making and combat team effectiveness through structured instruction, practical exercises and realistic field scenarios.

Colonel Agbedoawu urged participants to remain focused and strictly comply with safety instructions, weapons-handling procedures and environmental protection measures throughout the exercise.

“Let this training sharpen your professional competence, strengthen team work, improve leadership at every level and enhance your confidence in executing operational tasks under demanding condition,” he said.

He added: “The knowledge and skills you acquire here may one day prove decisive in protecting the security and sovereignty of our beloved nation.”

The Command Operations Officer expressed appreciation to Army Headquarters, General Headquarters, the various formations and brigades of the Ghana Armed Forces, sister security agencies and civilian institutions for their contributions towards the exercise.

Earlier, the Commanding Officer of the 1 Infantry Brigade Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Enoch Awudu, described Exercise Starlight Stretch III as timely and relevant, particularly in view of emerging security threats confronting the country and the sub-region.