GAF troops undergo gruelling jungle operation
Two hundred and ten troops from six formations of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) have successfully completed a 53-kilometre trek through the dense jungle terrain from Akyem Abenase to Akyem Achiase in the Eastern Region as part of this year’s Exercise Tigers’ Path.
The four-day endurance exercise, which began on Monday, November 24, 2025, and ended on Thursday, November 27, 2025, tested the physical and mental resilience of participating personnel.
The troops who were camped in the forest survived on limited food and water. At some point, they were compelled to hunt for their own meals while relying on streams and rivers to stay hydrated.
Throughout the exercise, participants undertook a series of demanding tasks designed to simulate real operational conditions.
The exercises included battle procedures, first aid and tactical casualty evacuation (CASEVAC), improvised river crossing, navigation, helicopter marshalling, marksmanship, endurance drills and confidence-building activities.
Troops were also assessed on platoon administration under jungle conditions, offensive operations in thick vegetation and long-range patrol techniques—core competencies required for deployments in challenging environments. This year’s edition brought together personnel from the Ghana Navy, Ghana Air Force, Southern Command, Northern Command, Central Command and Support Services Command, making it one of the most extensive inter-service training events in recent years.
Introduced in 1991, Exercise Tigers’ Path was instituted as a biennial military competition aimed at building resilience, sharpening battlefield instincts and preparing troops for prolonged operations in tough terrain.
Awards
At the end of the activities, the Central Command emerged as the Overall Winner with 887.06 points.
They received a miniature tiger trophy and GH¢10,000, plus an additional GH¢10,000 from the Deputy Minister of Defence, Ernest Brogya Genfie.
Support Services Command placed second with 836.26 points, followed by Southern Command with 794.63 points.
The Ghana Air Force came fourth with 771.22 points, the Ghana Navy fifth with 695.17 points, and Northern Command sixth with 661.73 points.
Apart from the winners’ package, all other teams received GH¢5,000 each.
Special awards were also presented to outstanding individuals and teams.
The Best Female Participant Award went to Dorothy Mensah, who received a plaque and GH¢5,000, and an additional GH¢10,000 from the Deputy Minister of Defence.
Support Services Command won the Best Team in Marshalling, while Central Command claimed both the Best in Tactical Combat and Casualty Care and Best Team in Obstacle Crossing.
The Ghana Navy emerged as the Best Team in Jungle Offensive Operations, with Support Services Command also receiving the Best Team in Navigation Award.
Commendation
The Deputy Minister of Defence, praised the soldiers for their exceptional resilience, discipline and professionalism throughout the four-day exercise.
Some participants crossing the Birim River
He said their performance reflected the unwavering commitment of the Ghana Armed Forces to excellence and national security.
“This exercise has not only sharpened the skills of our personnel but also reinforced teamwork, unity of purpose and the esprit de corps necessary for modern military operations,” the deputy minister added.
Commitment
Mr Brogya Genfi expressed the government’s commitment to upgrading military infrastructure, saying the new projects would be vital to improving training conditions and operational readiness.
He lauded the Jungle Warfare School as one of the finest globally and attributed its reputation to rigorous training and exceptional leadership.
Mr Brogya Genfi reaffirmed the government’s determination to modernise existing military facilities across the country, such as roads, accommodation, training structures and operational spaces, to enhance troop welfare and readiness.
