Ghana Army’s Southern Command Celebrates WASSA 2025: A Year of Professionalism and Unity

Introduction

The Ghana Army Southern Command (S/COMD) has successfully concluded its 2025 celebration of the West African Soldiers Social Activities (WASSA). This annual event, held at the Oppong-Peprah Square in Kpeshie Ridge, Teshie, serves as a vital capstone to the military year. It is a time when soldiers, officers, and civilian defense staff come together to unwind, reflect on operational successes, and foster the spirit of camaraderie essential to military life. The 2025 edition was particularly significant, highlighting a year of intense operational activity and reinforcing the Command’s commitment to discipline and readiness.

Key Points

Background

What is WASSA?

The West African Soldiers Social Activities (WASSA) is a deeply entrenched tradition within the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF). It is an annual end-of-year social gathering and reunion held by various units across the country. The primary purpose of WASSA is to break down formal barriers between ranks, allowing Officers, Soldiers, and Civilian Staff to interact socially. It provides a structured environment to reflect on the year’s activities, acknowledge sacrifices, and strengthen the bond between the military and the civilian communities they serve.

The Role of the Southern Command

The Southern Command is one of the primary operational formations of the Ghana Army. Responsible for the southern sector of the country, it plays a critical role in maintaining national security, supporting civil authorities, and conducting peacekeeping operations. The Command’s headquarters serves as a hub for planning and executing diverse missions, making the end-of-year review a crucial administrative and morale-boosting exercise.

Analysis

Operational Excellence and National Security

During the 2025 celebration, the Guest of Honour, Maj Gen Dr Sampson Kudjoe Adeti (Rtd), provided a comprehensive assessment of the Command’s performance. He lauded the professionalism displayed during various domestic operations. The mention of specific operations—such as Operation Peace Trail, Calm Life, Halt, Motherland, Ahodwo, and Maida Buuri—underscores the multifaceted nature of the military’s engagement in the national business environment. These operations typically involve internal security enforcement, election security, and counter-terrorism efforts, all of which contribute significantly to Ghana’s stability.

The Strategic Importance of Military Training

Major General Adeti emphasized that training remains the “spine” of any military force. The reference to exercises like Kullum Shirri and Tiger’s Path, alongside the upcoming Inter-Unit Drill Competition, highlights the Southern Command’s focus on combat readiness. These exercises are designed to sharpen the agility, alertness, and battle skills of the personnel. The analysis suggests that the Command is not resting on its laurels but is actively preparing for future challenges through rigorous physical and tactical training.

Legacy and Institutional Continuity

A poignant theme of the event was the concept of legacy. Maj Gen Adeti noted that the Southern Command has always been a “house of excellence, discipline, and quiet courage.” By acknowledging that the current generation stands on the shoulders of their predecessors, the speech reinforced the importance of institutional memory. This pedagogical approach teaches younger soldiers that their current duties are part of a long continuum of service, thereby fostering a deeper sense of pride and responsibility.

Leadership and Disciplinary Standards

Brigadier General Isaac Nicholas Paintsil, the current General Officer Commanding (GOC), used the platform to address the troops directly. His focus on discipline and fearlessness highlights the core values of the Ghana Army. By warning against conduct that could lead to trouble, he addressed the reality that soldiers are constantly under public scrutiny. His call to “remain disciplined and duty-bound” serves as a behavioral compass for the personnel as they transition into the new year.

Practical Advice

Understanding Military Social Etiquette

For civilians and aspiring recruits, observing events like WASSA offers insight into military culture. Here are a few takeaways regarding military social interactions:

• Respect for Hierarchy: Even in social settings, the chain of command is respected, though interactions are more relaxed.
• Unit Cohesion: Activities like the 2km walk and volleyball tournaments are not just games; they are team-building exercises designed to enhance unit cohesion.
• Community Engagement: The presence of benevolent individuals and firms at WASSA highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in defense matters. Civilians looking to support the military can explore these formal channels.

Preparing for Military Activities

For military personnel, the advice from the leadership is clear:

• Focus on Fitness: Participate actively in pre-event physical activities like the WASSA walk to maintain operational readiness.
• Maintain Discipline: The end of the year is a high-tempo period; adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) remains paramount.
• Engage in Professional Development: Take advantage of training exercises (e.g., Kullum Shirri) to upgrade skills.

FAQ

Conclusion

The 2025 WASSA celebration by the Ghana Army’s Southern Command was more than just a social gathering; it was a reaffirmation of the Command’s operational capability and disciplinary standards. By reviewing a year of successful internal security operations and rigorous training exercises, the leadership set a strong precedent for 2026. The event successfully bridged the gap between the high standards of operational readiness and the essential human need for rest and recognition. As the “Tarantula family” looks ahead, the lessons of 2025 and the spirit of unity displayed at WASSA will undoubtedly serve as a foundation for future success in safeguarding Ghana’s peace and security.