The Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC) has commenced a four-day Counter Terrorism and Counter Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) Course on Monday 24 July at the Hamidu Hall, Teshie.

The Course, which is made up of 109 participants were drawn from the Ghana Armed Forces, Sister Security Services, Government Agencies and selected West African countries, seeks to broaden participant’s knowledge on IED Threat Analysis, understanding terrorist motivations, Intelligence-Driven Operations, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and the development of innovative technologies to counter IEDs.

The Guest of Honour for the ceremony, Member of Parliament for Builsa North, Honourable (Hon) James Agalga, in his remarks said terrorism in all forms and manifestations had emerged as one of the most significant challenges in recent times due to its devastating impact which undermines the foundations of peace, security and prosperity of nations.

He applauded the pivotal role GAFCSC continues to play in shaping the landscape of security education. Hon Agalga stated that the course will equip participants with the knowledge, skills and strategies necessary to effectively combat terrorism and IED threats. ‘Over the course of your time together, you will delve into the intricacies of specific threats, exploring various components, construction methods, detection techniques, and most importantly prevention and mitigation strategies’ he added.

Hon Agalga reminded participants that the course was not just an intellectual pursuit, emphasizing that it was a call to action against the forces of violence, hatred and extremism and further serve as a catalyst for change within their respective communities.

He urged all to seize the opportunity to foster collaboration, exchange knowledge and subject themselves to critical discussions that would enhance the security of their countries as well as contribute to the stability and prosperity of the African continent.

He further extolled the Commandant of GAFCSC, Major General Irvine Nii Aryitey Aryeetey and the course facilitators for making their vast expertise accessible to the College.