The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service and other key security institutions, has embarked on a large-scale Show of Force Exercise through some principal streets of Accra to demonstrate their preparedness ahead of the festive season.
The exercise, which involved the Ghana Prisons Service, Ghana National Fire Service, Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), and the Ghana Immigration Service, formed part of ongoing joint security operations aimed at enhancing readiness, deterring criminal activities and assuring the public of a safe Christmas period and beyond.
The mechanised route march began at 10 a.m. from the Black Star Square, moved through various corridors of the capital with armoured vehicles and patrol pickup trucks.
The personnel were divided into five operational teams, each covering strategic routes across the Greater Accra Region, stretching through areas such as Kasoa, Madina, Aburi, Ablekuma, Amasaman, Tema, Ashaiman and the central business district.
Commendation
The Deputy Minister of Defence, Ernest Brogya Genfi, described the exercise as a clear demonstration of the country’s resilience and united security architecture.
Christian Tetteh Yohuno, IGP addressing the troops
Mr Brogya Genfi said the coordinated participation of all the security services underscored the country’s commitment to safeguarding citizens at a time when many countries in the sub-region grapple with instability and threats of violent extremism.
“This well-coordinated exercise has clearly demonstrated the unity, strength, readiness and professionalism of our security architecture”.
“It is a deliberate show of force not to intimidate, but to reassure the good people of Ghana that their safety and security remain paramount, particularly as we approach the festive season, a period that brings joy but also increased public activity,” the Deputy Minister of Defence said.
Mr Brogya Genfi emphasised that the government deeply appreciated the sacrifices made by the security agencies, especially during holidays when personnel stand guard while the public celebrates.
“While many citizens spend this period with family and loved ones, you remain vigilant, often at great cost, to ensure peace, law and order across our nation. Ghana continues to enjoy enviable stability in a region confronted by complex security threats, and this is largely due to your dedication,” he noted.
Mr Brogya Genfi assured the security agencies that the government was fully committed to providing modern technology, logistics and welfare support to help them confront emerging threats.
Aim achieved
The Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General William Agyapong, lauded the personnel for displaying unity, resilience and cooperation across the joint services.
Ernest Brogya Genfi (left), Deputy Minister of Defence, interacting with Lt Gen. William Agyapong, Chief of the Defence Staff, GAF
“The purpose of this show of force was to realign our resilience, our posturing and our cooperation. From the feedback we have received, that aim has been achieved,” he said.
He further revealed that under the government’s Great Push Initiative, the security services would soon witness major improvements in platforms, accommodation and essential equipment.
Lt Gen. Agyapong announced that a final major exercise would be held on December 23, thus calling on personnel to remain fit and prepared.
Operational readiness
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, applauded the efforts of all participating agencies and emphasised that the operation was meant to send a clear message of readiness.
Lt Gen. William Agyapong, Chief of the Defence Staff, GAF, delivering his address
“As we approach Christmas, this exercise assures Ghanaians that we are ready to protect them throughout the festive season and beyond.
Whether by vehicle, by air, on the sea or on the ground, we are ever ready to protect the public,” he said.
He urged the public to support the security services by providing information on suspicious activities, stressing that criminals live among them and could be exposed through citizens' vigilance.
