The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) have intensified their commitment to protecting the nation’s territorial integrity by enhancing tactical readiness through a comprehensive training exercise aimed at addressing the increasing wave of insurgencies and security challenges across sub-Saharan Africa.
The resolve was made manifest during the 15th edition of Exercise Tigers’ Path, a biennial tri-service competition and continuous training program, held at the esteemed Jungle Warfare School (JWS) in Akim-Achiase, Eastern Region.
Major General Lawrence Gbetanu, the Chief of Army Staff, affirmed the military’s dedication, assuring that the “Military High Command’s commitment to this venture is unwavering,” and that the GAF is prepared to deal with all existential threats. He described the security threats confronting the sub-region as unpredictable, necessitating superior military skills and tactical prowess.
“Hence, Exercise Tigers’ Path provides an invaluable opportunity to sharpen combat skills, overcome adversity, reinforce joint operations, and evaluate our response mechanism to both conventional and unconventional threats,” Major Gen. Gbetanu stated.
Rigorous Training for a Complex Environment
The scope of this year’s rigorous exercise was extensive, covering critical tactical drills designed for complex, hostile environments. These included: Battle procedure and offensive operations in the jungle; Tactical casualty evacuation and first aid; Improvised river crossing drills and patrolling techniques; Helicopter vectoring and marshalling drills and Marksmanship, physical fitness, and endurance training
The JWS, since its opening in 1976, has solidified its international reputation as a centre of excellence in jungle warfare training. Its importance has become even more critical amid the region’s upsurge in insurgencies, irregular warfare, violent extremism, and terrorism.
Regional Crisis
The training comes against a stark regional backdrop. According to the United Nations (UN), approximately four million people are currently displaced across Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and neighboring countries due to terrorism and insurgency-related incursions.
Lieutenant Colonel Jacob Codjoe, the JWS Commanding Officer, stressed the necessity for the training, reminding the participants that lessons from contemporary trends in insurgency and terrorism make it imperative for regular forces to have the capability to operate effectively against such threats. He also urged the officers and men to always adhere to the Armed Forces’ code of ethics to ensure discipline in their operational duties.
The event, which commenced in 1991 as a competitive exercise among all GAF services and formations, saw the attendance of dignitaries, including the Deputy Defence Minister, Mr. Ernest Brogya Genfi, and the Chief of the Defence Staff, Lieutenant William Agyapong, who were present to motivate and boost the morale of the military personnel.
