
153 ARMD REGT HOLDS FAMILY FUN DAY ‘25
Introduction: 153 ARMD REGT Holds Family Fun Day ’25
The Ghana Army’s 153 Armoured Regiment (153 ARMD REGT) successfully hosted its Family Fun Day on Saturday, 3 January 2026, at Burma Camp in Accra. This event, themed as a leisure and team-building initiative, aimed to de-stress personnel from the demanding tasks of 2025, foster unit cohesion, and prepare for the challenges of 2026. Under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) David Kwesi Korsah, the regiment organized a variety of physical and recreational activities that brought together soldiers, their families, and support staff for a day of camaraderie and fun.
Family Fun Day is an essential component of the Ghana Army’s welfare and morale-boosting programs, promoting a healthy work-life balance and strengthening relationships within the military community. The event featured a 5-kilometer health walk, sports competitions, and interactive games, all designed to enhance physical fitness, teamwork, and family engagement. This comprehensive overview explores the event’s key activities, outcomes, and significance for the 153 Armoured Regiment and the broader Ghana Army.
Key Points
- Event Name: 153 ARMD REGT Family Fun Day ’25
- Date: 3 January 2026
- Location: Burma Camp, Accra, Ghana
- Organizer: 153 Armoured Regiment, Ghana Army
- Commanding Officer: Lieutenant Colonel David Kwesi Korsah
- Primary Goals: De-stress personnel, enhance unit cohesion, promote family engagement, and prepare for 2026 operational readiness
- Opening Event: 5-kilometer health walk within Burma Camp, concluding at the Mounted Squadron (Ponkoline)
- Sports and Games: Aerobics, table-tennis, small-poles 5-a-side football, penalty kicks, basketball, free-throws, volleyball, lime-and-spoon race, sack race, tug-of-war, dancing contest, musical chairs
- Entertainment: Musical performance by Soja Rapper and food items from Pizzaman
- Participants: Personnel from 1 Armoured Squadron, 2 Armoured Squadron, Headquarters, Mounted/R&S Squadron, Magajias (regimental wives), and children
- 1st Place: Headquarters Squadron – 30 points
- 2nd Place: 2 Armoured Squadron – 29 points
- 3rd Place: Mounted Squadron – 25 points
- 4th Place: 1 Armoured Squadron – 23 points
Background: Purpose of Military Family Fun Days
Military Family Fun Days are a globally recognized practice among armed forces to support the well-being of service members and their families. These events are designed to alleviate the psychological and physical stress associated with military duties, foster a sense of community, and improve morale. In the context of the Ghana Army, such initiatives align with broader welfare policies aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness through personnel satisfaction and family support.
The 153 Armoured Regiment, established to provide armored warfare capabilities, operates in high-pressure environments that demand physical endurance and mental resilience. Regular engagement in team-building and recreational activities helps mitigate stress, reduce burnout, and maintain peak performance. Family Fun Day serves as a strategic intervention to reinforce these aspects while promoting inclusivity and unity across all ranks.
Analysis: Impact and Significance
Stress Reduction and Mental Health
The physical activities and games organized during Family Fun Day play a crucial role in stress reduction. Exercise, such as the 5-kilometer health walk and team sports, triggers the release of endorphins, which improve mood and reduce anxiety. For military personnel exposed to high-stress operations, such outlets are vital for maintaining mental health and emotional stability. The inclusion of families in these activities further strengthens support systems, allowing soldiers to decompress in a familiar and encouraging environment.
Unit Cohesion and Team Building
Competitive sports and group games foster teamwork, communication, and mutual respect among personnel from different squadrons. The close scores in the event’s results—Headquarters (30 points) narrowly defeating 2 Armoured Squadron (29 points)—highlight the balanced skill levels and healthy rivalry within the regiment. Such interactions build trust and camaraderie, which are essential for effective military operations where coordination and unity can determine mission success.
Family Engagement and Welfare
The involvement of Magajias (regimental wives) and children underscores the Ghana Army’s commitment to family welfare. Military life often demands long separations and unpredictable schedules, which can strain family relationships. Events like Family Fun Day provide opportunities for quality time, strengthening familial bonds and enhancing the overall support network for service members. This, in turn, contributes to higher retention rates and job satisfaction within the ranks.
Leadership and Motivation
Lt Col David Kwesi Korsah’s address to the troops emphasized the importance of consolidating 2025 achievements, fostering unity, and delivering excellence in 2026. Leadership communication during such events reinforces organizational goals and motivates personnel to maintain high standards. Public recognition of squadron performances also boosts morale and encourages a culture of healthy competition and continuous improvement.
Practical Advice: Organizing Successful Military Family Events
Planning and Coordination
Effective planning is critical for the success of military family events. Key considerations include:
- Objective Clarity: Define clear goals such as stress reduction, team building, or family engagement.
- Activity Selection: Choose inclusive activities that cater to different age groups and fitness levels.
- Safety Measures: Ensure medical support and safety protocols are in place for all physical activities.
- Logistics: Coordinate venue access, equipment, and refreshments well in advance.
Promoting Participation
To maximize engagement:
- Early Communication: Announce the event well ahead with detailed schedules and participation guidelines.
- Inclusivity: Design activities that allow all ranks and family members to participate.
- Recognition: Implement a fair scoring system and acknowledge winners to motivate involvement.
Sustaining Momentum
To maintain the benefits of Family Fun Day throughout the year:
- Regular Events: Schedule periodic team-building and family-oriented activities.
- Feedback Collection: Gather participant feedback to improve future events.
- Integration with Training: Incorporate elements of teamwork and physical fitness into regular training routines.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the 153 ARMD REGT Family Fun Day?
The event aims to de-stress personnel, enhance unit cohesion, promote family engagement, and prepare the regiment for operational excellence in the coming year.
Who participated in the Family Fun Day?
Personnel from all squadrons of 153 ARMD REGT, including 1 and 2 Armoured Squadrons, Headquarters, and Mounted/R&S Squadron, along with their families (Magajias and children), took part in the activities.
What activities were included in the event?
The event featured a 5-kilometer health walk, aerobics, table-tennis, small-poles football, penalty kicks, basketball, volleyball, sack race, tug-of-war, dancing contest, musical chairs, and entertainment performances.
How were the results determined?
Points were awarded based on squadron performance in various games and activities. Headquarters won with 30 points, followed by 2 Armoured Squadron (29), Mounted Squadron (25), and 1 Armoured Squadron (23).
Why are family events important in the military?
Family events support mental health, strengthen support systems, improve morale, and enhance retention by fostering a balanced and supportive military community.
Conclusion: Strengthening the Regiment Through Unity and Wellness
The 153 ARMD REGT Family Fun Day ’25 exemplifies the Ghana Army’s commitment to the holistic well-being of its personnel. By integrating physical activity, team competition, and family engagement, the event successfully addressed key aspects of military welfare and operational readiness. The close competition among squadrons demonstrated high levels of fitness and teamwork, while the inclusion of families reinforced the importance of support networks in military life.
As the 153 Armoured Regiment moves into 2026, the lessons and momentum from this event will contribute to sustained morale, unity, and performance. Continued investment in such initiatives will ensure that the regiment remains not only operationally effective but also a cohesive and supportive community. Family Fun Day is more than a recreational event—it is a strategic asset in building a resilient and motivated military force.
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