The three-week internal security and counter-insurgency exercise by the Ghana Armed Forces has ended at Nkwanta in the Oti Region.
Exercise Starlight Stretch III was meant to enhance the readiness of the troops to respond effectively to the increasingly complex security environment confronting the nation and the sub-region.
It was also intended to validate their formation-level planning and oversight of internal security and counter-insurgency operations, while enhancing interoperability among combat, combat support, and combat service support units, as well as partner security and civil institutions.
The participants received training in a wide range of military competencies, including physical endurance, field craft, battle drills, tactical combat care, communications, convoy protection, drone awareness and intelligence-led operations.
Closing the exercise in Nkwanta last Friday, the Chief Staff Officer (CSO) of the Army Headquarters in Accra, Brigadier-General Kwesi Ayima, said Exercise Starlight Stretch III was conceived as a key training activity of the Ghana Army to boost the operational preparedness of the personnel and ensure they remain capable of responding swiftly and effectively to complex security challenges.
He said the various training activities conducted during the exercise had provided the participants with valuable opportunities to sharpen their operational skills and readiness for deployment.
Brigadier-General Ayima urged the troops to critically reflect on the lessons from the exercise and apply them in future operations.
He expressed gratitude to the General Headquarters, various Commands and Brigades of the Ghana Army, sister security agencies and relevant civilian institutions for contributing to the success of the exercise.
Operational effectiveness
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), Southern Command, Brigadier-General Edward Awaribey, commended the ranks for the high sense of commitment, discipline and professionalism they demonstrated during the exercise.
“The troops have endured a demanding programme, confronted realistic operational challenges and gained valuable experience that would enhance their confidence, resilience and overall operational effectiveness,” he observed.
Brigadier-General Awaribey said the exercise had proved that operational success was the result of teamwork, interoperability, sound leadership, and the ability to operate together as one cohesive force.
Commitment
For his part, the Nkwanta South Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Joseph Awal Antwi, described the exercise as timely and significant, particularly in strengthening security within the municipality and enhancing collaboration among the security services and the community.
He commended the Ghana Army for its commitment to promoting peace and stability in the area and pledged the assembly’s readiness to continue supporting initiatives to contribute to the security and development of the municipality.
