The Army Special Forces Basic Course 3 and Snipers Basic Course 2 officially graduated at the 64 Infantry Battalion Headquarters in Burma Camp on Friday 6 September 2024.

The courses are part of the mandate of the Special Operation Brigade, which is to develop an elite, multi-purpose force for high-priority operational targets. This mandate is framed in the context of domestic counterterrorism, supporting civil authority and conducting unilateral counter-violent extremist operations under military command.

The Guest of Honour, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Major General (Maj Gen) BK Onwona, in his address noted that Ghana faces numerous and complex security threats due to technological advancements, violent extremism close to the country’s borders, and the asymmetric nature of conflicts in Africa. He highlighted the formation of the Army Special Operation Brigade as part of global efforts to counter these threats and emphasised the Brigade’s collaboration with international partners to enhance its capabilities through training and exercises.

Maj Gen Onwona also mentioned Ghana's successful hosting of two exercises, FLINTLOCK 2023 and 2024, and the Army’s participation in Exercise African Lion in Morocco 2024. He explained that these exercises are part of routine training aimed at fostering collaboration and resilience among partner nations.

He commended the graduates, especially the snipers, and expressed enthusiasm for the formal introduction of the Operations Dog Squad, trained in Austria. He noted that only 15 of the 120 soldiers who began the course managed to graduate, having endured an eight-month rigorous training programme that tested them physically, mentally, and psychologically. According to him, the operators have earned exceptional skills in offensive raids, demolition, reconnaissance, search and rescue, and counterterrorism. They also gained expertise in swimming survival, emergency medicine, and demolition.

COAS further praised the participants of this year's BEST WARRIOR competition in the USA, where they set new records in four out of the five disciplines. He took the opportunity to congratulate LCpl Sakat J, Pte Nyarko, and Pte Baah F for their achievements and commended Sgt Ayaric Abubakari for obtaining a distinction at the Platoon Sergeant Battle Course at the Infantry Battalion School in the UK.

The Commander of the Army Special Brigade, Brig Gen Isaac Nicholas Paintsil, noted that this year’s courses included three sets of trainers with various capabilities. The Special Forces operators underwent eight months of training, while the snipers completed a seven-week Basic Snipers Course, and two Special Operators Dog Handlers trained with their dogs in Austria for nine months. He emphasised that the Brigade’s mandate covers operations in urban, rural, jungle, riverine, and mountainous environments.

Brig Gen Paintsil also pointed out the growing collaboration between the Army Special Brigade and the Ghana Navy’s Special Boat Squadron. He was pleased to acknowledge the two Navy participants who completed the senior course. He concluded by praising the operators for excelling in both local and international training and competitions.