Ghana Army Combat Training School (ACTS) Launches Advanced Infantry Weapons Courses 1-2026

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has intensified its focus on tactical excellence with the commencement of three critical advanced weapons programs at the Army Combat Training School (ACTS). This move underscores Ghana’s commitment to maintaining a highly professional, disciplined, and capable military force. The launch of the Advanced Infantry Platoon Weapons Course, Advanced Medium Machine Gun Course, and Advanced Mortar Course for the 2026 cycle marks a significant step in standardizing and elevating small-unit combat proficiency across the army.

Introduction: Elevating Ghana’s Military Proficiency

On February 9, 2026, a pivotal event occurred at the TRADOC Hall in Whistler Barracks, Teshie. The Army Combat Training School (ACTS), a cornerstone institution within the Ghana Army’s training architecture, officially opened its doors for the 14-week Advanced Weapons Courses 1-2026. This initiative is not merely a routine training cycle; it is a targeted investment in human capital and tactical doctrine aimed at sharpening the combat edge of selected personnel from the Ghana Armed Forces.

These courses are designed to transition soldiers and officers from basic operators to expert handlers and, crucially, potential instructors. The curriculum’s depth and rigor reflect an understanding that modern infantry warfare demands more than just marksmanship—it requires integrated tactical thinking, seamless weapon system management, and leadership under pressure. For a nation like Ghana, which contributes troops to UN peacekeeping missions and plays a stabilizing role in West Africa, such advanced training is a strategic imperative.

Key Points: What You Need to Know

• Institution: Army Combat Training School (ACTS), under the Ghana Army Training Command (ARTRAC).
• Programs Launched: Three concurrent advanced courses: Advanced Infantry Platoon Weapons, Advanced Medium Machine Gun, and Advanced Mortar.
• Cycle: Courses 1-2026, indicating the first cohort for the year 2026.
• Duration: 14-week intensive program.
• Venue: TRADOC Hall, Whistler Barracks, Teshie.
• Total Participants: 122 military personnel (40 for MMG, 48 for Mortar, 34 for Platoon Weapons).
• Core Message: Discipline is non-negotiable and forms the bedrock of the training. The course aims to produce not just operators, but future instructors.
• Key Focus Areas: Advanced weapon handling, tactical deployment, map reading, first aid, minor tactics, outdoor leadership, and equipment stewardship.

Background: Understanding ACTS and the Ghana Armed Forces Training Ecosystem

The Role of the Army Combat Training School (ACTS)

The Army Combat Training School is the primary institution within the Ghana Army responsible for the advanced tactical training of infantry soldiers and officers. Located at Whistler Barracks, it operates under the doctrinal oversight of the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC). ACTS’s mandate is to translate national defense policy and army doctrine into practical, battlefield-relevant skills. Its courses form the critical link between basic military training and the complex demands of operational deployments, whether in counter-insurgency, peace support operations, or territorial defense.

The school’s reputation is built on a foundation of high physical and mental standards. Training here is intentionally strenuous to simulate the stress and fatigue of real combat, thereby building resilience. The curricula are regularly updated to incorporate lessons learned from both international military engagements and Ghana’s own internal security operations.

The 2026 Course Cycle: A Structured Approach

The launch of Courses 1-2026 follows a structured annual planning cycle. The “1” denotes the first major intake for the calendar year, allowing for a fresh cohort to begin as the previous year’s graduates move on to their units or instructor duties. The 14-week duration is a deliberate expansion from more basic courses, providing sufficient time for both theoretical instruction and exhaustive practical application.

The specific courses launched address core infantry firepower systems:

• Advanced Infantry Platoon Weapons Course: Focuses on the integrated use of the platoon’s organic weapons—typically light machine guns (LMGs), grenade launchers, and anti-tank weapons—within the infantry platoon’s tactical framework.
• Advanced Medium Machine Gun (MMG) Course: Dedicates intensive training to the general-purpose machine gun (GPMG) or equivalent medium-caliber sustained-fire weapon system, covering crew drills, sustained fire techniques, mounting on various platforms, and direct/indirect fire roles.
• Advanced Mortar Course: Specializes in the indirect fire support provided by 60mm or 81mm mortars. Training includes fire direction, computation, survey, ammunition management, and integration with infantry maneuver units.

Analysis: The Strategic Significance of Advanced Weapons Training

Beyond Operator Proficiency: Cultivating Instructor Cadres

Commander ACTS, Col. Ekow Nkrane Mensah-Yawson, articulated a crucial objective: the program’s goal is to prepare participants not only as skilled operators but also as future instructors for their respective units. This “train-the-trainer” model is exponentially more effective and cost-efficient. One highly trained instructor can elevate the proficiency of dozens of soldiers over time, creating a cascading effect of improved capability throughout the Ghana Army. This approach addresses a perennial challenge in military training: maintaining instructional quality and consistency across a dispersed force.

Discipline as a Foundational Pillar

Col. Mensah-Yawson’s emphasis on discipline as the “root of army professionalism” is a timeless and critical military principle. In the context of advanced weapons training, discipline manifests in meticulous weapon handling, unwavering adherence to safety protocols, precise execution of drills under pressure, and respect for equipment. The warning against “any act of indiscipline” and the stated consequence of “critical sanctions” serves to frame the course environment as a professional crucible. It signals that the school’s standards are absolute and that graduation is a privilege earned through consistent professional conduct, not merely technical skill.

Holistic Soldier Development

The curriculum’s inclusion of Map Reading, First Aid, Minor Tactics, and Outdoor Leadership Exercises demonstrates a holistic view of soldier development. A mortar gunner who cannot read a map or provide basic trauma care is a limited asset. An MMG team that understands the minor tactics of fire and movement is infinitely more effective. This integrated approach ensures graduates are well-rounded tactical assets, capable of functioning as part of a cohesive team in complex operational environments where medical evacuation might be delayed and navigation reliant on a map and compass.

Equipment Stewardship and Financial Prudence

The specific caution regarding “deliberate damage of army equipment” and the imposition of “financial consequences” highlights a practical and fiscal reality. Military weapons and training aids are expensive, often sourced from limited national budgets or international partners. Instilling a sense of ownership and responsibility for equipment is a key non-technical lesson. This policy deters negligence and willful damage, ensuring the longevity of the school’s assets and protecting national resources.

Practical Advice: For Participants and Observers

For Enrolled Soldiers and Officers:

1. Embrace the Mental Challenge: Prepare for the course to be physically grueling and mentally taxing. Develop mental resilience techniques beforehand—focus on personal motivation, unit pride, and the mission’s importance.
2. Maximize Instructor Access: The course assigns “professional fire and weapon professionals.” Proactively seek feedback, ask clarifying questions, and absorb not just the “how” but the “why” behind every tactic and procedure.
3. Integrate Knowledge: Do not silo your learning. See how your weapon system (e.g., the mortar) interacts with the platoon weapons and the overall squad/platoon scheme of maneuver. Understand the commander’s intent behind fire support requests.
4. Document Diligently: Keep a thorough training notebook. Record calculations, drill sequences, troubleshooting tips, and instructor insights. This will be invaluable for future reference and when you transition to an instructor role.
5. Champion Equipment Care: Treat every piece of issued gear—from rifles to compasses—as if it were your personal property. Proper maintenance is a daily discipline that will be evaluated.

For Ghana Armed Forces Leadership and Observers:

1. Ensure Seamless Unit Reintegration: Plan for the graduates’ return to their units. Their new skills will be wasted if their commanders do not understand how to effectively employ them or leverage them for collective training.
2. Create Instructor Opportunities: Identify top graduates early and provide pathways for them to return to ACTS or their unit training schools as assistant instructors. This retains talent and builds a sustainable training base.
3. Leverage for International Partnerships: The standardized, high-quality output of ACTS can be a benchmark for bilateral or multilateral training exercises with partner nations, enhancing Ghana’s military diplomacy and interoperability.
4. Gather and Integrate Feedback: Establish a formal mechanism for course graduates and their subsequent unit commanders to provide feedback on the course’s relevance and any emerging tactical gaps. Use this to iteratively improve the curriculum.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Army Combat Training School (ACTS)?

ACTS is the Ghana Army’s premier institution for advanced infantry combat training, located at Whistler Barracks, Teshie. It falls under the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) and is responsible for courses that develop expertise in infantry weapons, tactics, and leadership beyond the basic training level.

Who is eligible for these Advanced Weapons Courses?

While the original article does not specify the exact selection criteria, such courses typically target mid-career soldiers and junior officers (e.g., Corporals to Captains) who have completed basic training and have some operational experience. Selection is usually based on performance, time in service, and the needs of the Ghana Armed Forces. Participants are “selected personnel” from various units.

What is the difference between these courses and basic training?

Basic training (e.g., at the Military Academy or Depot) focuses on turning civilians into soldiers, teaching fundamental skills, discipline, and physical fitness. The Advanced Weapons Courses at ACTS assume this foundation and build specialized, in-depth expertise. The focus shifts from individual skill to crew/team integration, advanced tactics, technical mastery, and the ability to instruct others. The intensity and tactical complexity are significantly higher.

What certification do graduates receive?

Graduates typically receive a certificate of completion from the Army Combat Training School, endorsed by the Army Training Command. This certification formally recognizes their advanced qualification in their specific weapons system (Platoon Weapons, MMG, or Mortar) and often qualifies them for appointment to specialist roles or instructor positions within their units.

How does this training impact Ghana’s UN Peacekeeping Contributions?

Ghana is a major contributor to UN peacekeeping missions. Troops deployed on such missions must meet stringent operational and tactical standards. Advanced training at ACTS ensures Ghanaian contingents are not just present but are tactically proficient, disciplined, and capable of effectively using their weapons in complex, rules-of-engagement-heavy environments. This enhances mission effectiveness and Ghana’s reputation as a reliable, professional peace partner.

Are these courses open to foreign military personnel?

The article does not state this. Typically, advanced internal courses like these are first and foremost for the host nation’s forces. However, Ghana has a history of military cooperation. Such courses could potentially be opened to personnel from allied or partner nations (e.g., other ECOWAS states) through bilateral agreements, but this would be a separate, diplomatic process and not the default for the 1-2026 cycle as described.

Conclusion: Investing in Tactical Excellence for National and Regional Security

The launch of the Advanced Weapons Courses 1-2026 at Ghana’s Army Combat Training School is far more than a administrative training update. It is a concrete demonstration of the Ghana Armed Forces’ commitment to doctrinal advancement, professional standardization, and the cultivation of expert cadres. By focusing on discipline, holistic development, and the instructor model, ACTS is building a force multiplier effect within the army.

In a sub-region facing evolving security challenges—from violent extremism in the Sahel to maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea—the quality of a nation’s infantry is paramount. These advanced courses ensure that Ghana’s soldiers are not just numerous, but exceptionally competent, disciplined, and tactically astute. The investment in training today pays dividends in operational effectiveness, force protection, and the successful fulfillment of both national defense and international peace and security obligations tomorrow. The ripple effect of these 122 trained personnel will be felt across the Ghana Army for years to come.