GHANA ARMY CHIEF VISITS FORWARD OPERATING BASES OF VOLTA & OTI REGIONS – Ghana Peace Journal

Introduction

In a strategic display of military leadership and regional cooperation, Major General (Maj Gen) Lawrence Kwaku Gbetanu, Chief of the Ghana Army Staff, embarked on a critical 2-day operational visit to Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in Ghana’s Volta and Oti Regions from September 30 to October 1, 2025. This high-stakes engagement underscored the Ghana Armed Forces’ (GAF) commitment to safeguarding national security and fostering grassroots trust in military institutions. The mission emphasized operational readiness, troop welfare, and community relations, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs of forces stationed in these frontline locations.

Analysis

Operational Readiness Evaluation

The Chief’s tour prioritized assessing the readiness of units under the 16 Artillery Brigade, including FOBs such as Ahedwo I, Alavanyo/Nkonya, Ketekrache II, Kpassa, and Nkwanta. Commanders provided localized updates on security dynamics, revealing threats posed by cross-border criminal syndicates and land disputes. Maj Gen Gbetanu’s hands-on evaluation highlighted the army’s role in stabilizing volatile areas while balancing resource constraints.

Officer-State Collaborations

Engagements with local leaders like Biakoye’s District Chief Executive (DCE) Eric Oppong and Nkwanta’s Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) Joseph Antwi reinforced interagency partnerships. These interactions aimed to align military operations with regional governance priorities, particularly in addressing tensions between rural security forces and displaced populations. The Chief’s dialogue with Oti Regional Minister John Gyapong and the Chonke overlord Daasebre Atamafowiese Bonjah II further solidified cultural ties, stressing the importance of custodial leadership in resolving chieftaincy disputes.

Summary

Maj Gen Lawrence Kwaku Gbetanu’s inspection of Volta and Oti FOBs illuminated the Ghana Army’s dual focus on frontline preparedness and community integration. Through operational briefings, humanitarian tours, and stakeholder dialogues, the mission reaffirmed the army’s mandate to balance tactical efficiency with societal needs. Key takeaways included the necessity of modernizing equipment, strengthening interregional coordination, and sustaining troop morale amid prolonged deployments.

Key Points

Practical Advice

Enhancing Operational Efficiency

• Technology upgrades: Deploying satellite communication systems to counter signal-jamming in forested areas.
• Community policing: Expanding volunteer programs like neighborhood watch units to reduce troop fatigue.

Sustainability Strategies

• Partnerships: Collaborate with NGOs to improve sanitation and healthcare access for troops.
• Training: Introduce simulation exercises for managing climate-related disruptions (e.g., floods in Oti).

Points of Caution

While the visit yielded positive markers, challenges persist. Aging barracks and inadequate medical facilities in remote FOBs risk demoralizing troops. Over-reliance on volunteer-based security may strain local relationships if not managed transparently. Commanders must balance rigorous training with mental health support to prevent burnout, particularly amid escalating operational demands.

Legal Implications

The activities conducted during the visit align with Ghana’s Armed Forces Act, 2000, which mandates accountability for operational expenditure and welfare provisions. Any future recommendations, such as infrastructure expansions, must comply with public procurement regulations to avoid legal challenges. The park service’s involvement could trigger environmental impact assessments under the Environmental Protection Act, 1994.

Conclusion

Maj Gen Gbetanu’s visit exemplified the Ghana Army’s proactive approach to modernizing its posture while deepening civilian-military rapport. By addressing vulnerabilities in logistics and governance, the mission laid groundwork for elevated security and social cohesion in Ghana’s northern frontier. Sustained investments in infrastructure and community partnerships will be pivotal to achieving long-term stability.

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