The United States (US) Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) have conducted a 4-day strategic communication programme from 28-31 January 2025.
The programme, dubbed Influence Awareness and Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) 2025, held at the Defence Mechanical Transport Battalion Conference Room in Burma Camp, had GAF participants drawn from the Department of Public Relations, 48 Engineer Regiment, Supply and Transports and 5 Infantry Battalion.
The interactive programme aims at exchanging best practices for building resilience against malicious information, targeting military personnel and the wider Ghanaian population. It focuses on specific areas including the challenges of public perception, simulated practical demonstrations on media enquiry response, crisis response, public affairs plan, crisis communication planning and execution.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Director General at the Department of Public Relations, GAF, Brigadier General Eric Aggrey-Quashie, highlighted the importance and impact of the programme and underscored the need for full participation.
He urged participants to take advantage of the course to enhance their technical and critical thinking skills in Public Relations and influence their awareness of managing and disseminating information to the public.
In an interaction with AFnews, the Influence Branch Chief, SETAF-AF, Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Ong, stated the uniqueness of the programme noting that it offers a deep sense of camaraderie and mutual respect.
‘It was not just about sharing tactics or best practices; it is about learning from each other’s strengths and building lasting partnerships that transcend borders”, he added.
He further noted that the exchange would enhance the public affairs skills of participants, promote effective communication and foster international cooperation.
Facilitators were the Influence Branch Chief, SETAF-AF, Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Ong, the Information Operations Planner, SETAF-AF, Major Tyler Claus, the Public Affairs Officer, SETAF-AF, Captain Billy Lacroix, Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC) of the 321st Tactical Psychological Operations Company, Sergeant 1st Class Justin Locke and the Tactical Psychological Operations Team Leader Staff Sergeant Kara O’Brien.
