Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), Maj Gen Bismarck Kwasi Onwona has embarked on his maiden tour to Gondar Barracks on Wednesday 3 April, 2024.

The visit took him to the 15 Armoured Brigade Headquarters, Army Special Operations Brigade Headquarters, 153 Armoured Regiment and 64 Infantry Regiment as part of his familiarization, afforded him the opportunity to outline his vision in order to enhance coordination within the Ghana Army.

At 15 Armoured Headquarters, the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Ben Gah briefed the COAS on armoured capabilities, equipment inventory, readiness levels and challenges. He emphasized on training programmes of the Brigade, maintenance protocols, and future modernization plans aimed at strengthening combat readiness and capability.

Also the Army Special Operations Brigade, the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Isaac Nicholas Paintsil outlined the specialised training and its pivotal role in conducting high-risk operations to ensure national security. He stated that, Special Forces play a critical role in addressing a range of security challenges, from counterterrorism and counterinsurgency to unconventional warfare and humanitarian assistance to achieve mission success.

Such engagements he said demanded special weapons, training equipment, seasoned instructors, intelligence, adequate protective clothing and some motivational packages.

On their part, the Commanding Officer of 153 Armoured Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel David Korsah and the Commander Rear of 64 Infantry Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Prince Owusu provided detailed overview of the capabilities of their respective Regiments. They touched on training, equipment, future readiness initiatives as well as challenges.

After he was briefed on the current capabilities, challenges, and ongoing operations of each unit, the COAS emphasised the importance of readiness, operational effectiveness, and strategic planning.

The COAS and his entourage also toured the facilities of the various Brigades and Regiments, and inspected ongoing projects and equipment depots. The visit was crowned with a central all ranks durbar at the Arakan Methodist Presby Church, where the COAS addressed all personnel and listened to their concerns. He further commended all for their dedication to duty and reaffirmed his support for their welfare and operational needs.