32 all ranks have graduated from Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Course 4/23 at the Junior Ranks Mess in 1 Infantry at Michel Camp on Friday 8 December, 2023.
The 6 months intensive EOD Course which was jointly sponsored by the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and the United Kingdom (UK) has enhanced the EOD capabilities of the Ghana Army to combat terrorist activities.
There were exhibitions and demonstration exercises by graduands in the use of their machinery such as Bomb suits, Explosive Demolition Equipment, X-Ray Systems, Hook and Line, EOD Disruptors, EOD Robots, EOD Batteries, and Metal Detectors.
The Guest of honour, Deputy Chief Staff Officer (DCSO), Training, Brigadier General Fank Tei expressed his appreciation to the Government of Ghana, the Military High Command and UK Army for sponsoring the courses, emphasizing that it would enable GAF and other security agencies to be well-positioned to combat the challenges terrorists pose with the use of explosives.
He elaborated that the rise of terrorism and asymmetric warfare globally has occasioned a shift in operations, hence, the ongoing expansion of GAF aims at maintaining a robust and highly movable military force capable of neutralizing threats to national security and development.
He further stated that with the cooperation and support of the British Peace Operation Training Africa, efforts were underway to establish a temporary standard laboratory to train personnel to manufacture homemade explosives. The decision according to him would help running the Advance Improvised Explosive Device Disposal Course to meet the requirements of the United Nations.
Brig Gen Tei added that plans were underway to establish an accredited Ghana Army School of Ammunition and Explosives as part of the EOD Unit which would become the fourth accredited EOD School in Africa.
The British Defence Attaché to Ghana, Commander Richard Walters expressed appreciation to the Ghana Armed Forces and course participants for their efforts and sacrifices. He was optimistic about the continued partnership between both institutions and promised that Britain would provide the needed support at all times when called upon.
He further congratulated the graduands and encouraged them to use the knowledge and experiences acquired to serve Ghana.
Lieutenant Grace Asante was awarded the most Diligent Officer while Sergeant (Sgt) Mensah Saviour was awarded the Best Student in IEDD (Basic Assistant), Sgt Mensah Charles Niiquaye was awarded Best in IEED (Intermediate), Corporal Amoah Michael was awarded Best CMD Phase, and Private Soldier Odei Silas was adjudged the most improved Student.
Dignitaries present were Commander 851 EOD Regiment, Colonel GDK Asare, Commander British Peace Support Training Africa, Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) Jenner, CO BAD, Lt Col Issah Tahiru, and Commander Rear, 1 BN, Lt Col Frank Adams.
