Northern Command commenced its 2023 Basic Infantry Non-Commissioned Officers Tactical Course (BNTC) on Monday 28 August 2023 at the 6 Infantry Battalion, Kamina Barracks.

Delivering an opening address, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) Northern Command and the Guest of Honour, Brigadier General Matthew Essien said the Course was one of the mandatory courses for a soldier in the Ghana Army and was in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s vision to maintain a professional Army while training troops who are combat-ready.

He mentioned that the extensive training package was structured to cover a period of 12-weeks including Conventional Warfare, Disaster Management, Internal Security, Counter-Insurgency and Counter-Terrorism.

GOC emphasized the importance of training to the course participants and encouraged them to take the course seriously since it is a career progression course in the Ghana Army. He also stated that the Course was to equip participants with the skills to command and administer sections, riffle platoons or equivalent in peace, war, internal security operations, counter insurgency and counter-terrorism operations.

Brigadier General Matthew Essien reminded troops of the volatility of the threat in the Northern Command Area of Responsibility. He added that the threat is clear, present and dangerous and therefore it was important that troops train in order to mitigate the threat. The GOC cautioned troops against indiscipline and bad conduct whilst on the course.