The Army Special Operations Training School (ASOTS) has held a colourful handing and taking over ceremony to bid farewell to its first Commanding Officer (CO), Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) Daniel Nii Armah Quaye, and to welcome the incoming CO, Lt Col Ernest Bosompem Darkwah.

The ceremony took place on Thursday 12 September 2024, at ASOTS, Daboya, in the Savannah Region. It featured the unveiling of the refurbished School Headquarters, the signing of the handing and taking over certificates, a change of baton, and the pulling out of the immediate past CO.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) Northern Command, Brigadier General (Brig Gen) Frank Nartey Tei, who was the Guest of Honour, commended the outgoing CO for his remarkable achievements during his tenure. He praised Lt Col Quaye for his unwavering commitment, discipline, and professionalism, and wished him success in his future endeavours. Brig Gen Tei also congratulated the new CO, Lt Col Ernest Bosompem Darkwah, on his appointment and urged the Unit staff to extend their full support to him to achieve the school’s vision.

In his address, Brig Gen Tei highlighted the transformation of the school, which was redesignated as ASOTS in 2021, following its previous designation as the Daboya Training Camp. This was part of the Chief of the Army Staff’s vision to expand the Ghana Army. He mentioned several key infrastructure projects, including the construction of a 3-unit, 150-capacity accommodation block for permanent staff, a 100-capacity dormitory for recruits, and a 100-capacity lecture hall for recruits. Additionally, a 100-capacity female dormitory, sponsored by the Elsie Initiative Fund, and a fighting-in-built area village and skills house, sponsored by the United States Special Operations Command Africa, were developed to support special forces training.

The GOC further noted that the school's rapid transformation had established it as a centre of excellence and a prime location for hosting international exercises such as Exercise FLINTLOCK and Exercise AFRICAN LION.

Lt Col Quaye expressed gratitude to God for guiding him through his tenure. He also thanked the GOC and the various sponsors for their support and contributions to the success of ASOTS. He welcomed the incoming CO and encouraged all ranks and sponsors to extend their unwavering support to ensure the continued success of the school.

As part of the ceremony, the newly refurbished Administration Block, which houses offices for the Commanding Officer, Second-in-Command, Orderly Room, Conference Room, and a Coffee Room, was unveiled by the Guest of Honour.