The Headquarters Northern Command has commenced a 5-day Pre-deployment Training on the Prevention of Recruitment and Use of Children in Armed Conflict Course on Monday 8 December 2025.

The training aims to equip participants with a deeper understanding of preventing child recruitment, supporting vulnerable children and their communities, and advocating for stronger policies and effective enforcement.

Delivering a speech on behalf of the General Officer Commanding Northern Command, Brigadier General Worlanyo Abgebo, the Command Operations Officer, Colonel John Yaw Kwarteng, noted that the security landscape within the Area of Operational Responsibility of the Command continues to evolve, with emerging threats seeking to destabilize communities and tear apart their social fabric. He noted that violent extremist groups often exploit children, making the pre-deployment training essential.

Colonel Kwarteng further highlighted the longstanding collaboration the Command has with the Dallaire Institute, describing it as instrumental in strengthening the competencies needed to recognize early indicators of child recruitment, respond ethically under operational pressures, and support communities in building resilience.

He encouraged participants to engage actively, share ideas and support one another to ensure the success of the training. He also urged instructors and facilitators to give their utmost best.

The Project Director of the Dallaire Institute, Mr Mukendi Arsene Tshidimu, expressed gratitude to the Canadian government for its continued support and funding of the initiative. He also thanked the Ghana Armed Forces and the GOC for the opportunity to train soldiers, assuring of more such training engagements in the future.