The Chiringa Platoon of Short Service Commission and Special Duties Intake 61 (SSC/SD 61) has won the inter-platoon senior steeplechase competition held at the Ghana Military Academy (GMA) at Teshie on Friday 18 October 2024.

The platoon secured victory with 216 points, followed by Burma and Abyssinia platoons, with 355 and 383 points respectively.

The steeplechase is designed to test the endurance and stamina of cadets on a 12-kilometre circuit through challenging terrain within the GMA training area. Competitors are required to overcome a series of obstacles, including a horizontal ladder, 2ft metal bar, 4ft bar, scramble net over a 12ft wall, 9ft ditch, and a 6ft wall.

In addition, competitors faced other challenges such as brick balance, confidence climb, ramp, vertical and horizontal rope climbing, tunnel crossing, and completing four heave-ups to the chest before reporting to the finish line.

The Guest of Honour, Commodore (Cdre) James Osei Kontoh (Rtd), commended the cadets for their display of willpower and sportsmanship throughout the competition. He urged them to continue training even after graduation to remain fit and ready to discharge their duties as officers.

He highlighted that the primary objective of the steeplechase competition is to instill in officer cadets the values of fortitude, endurance, teamwork, and camaraderie under demanding conditions to achieve collective success. Cdre Kontoh added that physical fitness and mental endurance are essential qualities of a leader.

He further assured the cadets that such competitions are an integral part of their training, reminding them that their subordinates will rely on their endurance and mental capacity when faced with challenges.

Cdre Kontoh also reminded the cadets that, upon commissioning as officers in the Ghana Armed Forces, passing their Basic Fitness Test (BFT) would be a key prerequisite for promotional examinations and nomination for peace support operations.

Several awards were presented to competitors who performed exceptionally during the competition. Cadet Corporal Dauda Nuhu Kama received the overall best runner award after completing the 12-kilometre race in a record time of 59 minutes and 35 seconds. Flight Cadet Marfo Judith was adjudged the best female runner, while Officer Cadet Ambaba Gilbert and Flight Cadet Mahama Ahmed Bonkani were the 1st and 2nd runners-up, respectively.