News

66 Artillery Regiment Commissions Military Police Dog Kennel Facility

• 30 Apr
• Admin

Story by Miss Rebecca Yaa Boateng 

A state-of-the-art Ghana Military Police Dog Kennel facility was commissioned at the 66 Artillery Regiment within Volta Barracks, Ho, on Wednesday 29th April 2026. The facility was donated to the Regiment by the German Armed Forces Technical Advisory Group (GAFTAG).

In a welcome address, the Commanding Officer of the Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Jalali Din Ibrahim, noted that establishing a dog kennel within an artillery formation reflects the evolving nature of contemporary military operations and a commitment to staying ahead of emerging threats.

He acknowledged the Ghana Military Police and the National Dog Academy for their oversight and coordination in ensuring standardisation, effective training, and professional management of the facility. He further expressed special appreciation to GAFTAG for the swift and excellent delivery of the project, as well as for its continued partnership and support for the Ghana Armed Forces.

The Commanding Officer of GAFTAG highlighted the facility's significance, noting that the use of duty dogs as biosensors has proven an effective way to enhance security. He also indicated that the facility's successful inauguration is not just a project but a symbol of unwavering dedication, teamwork, and a collective mission to deliver security.

The Acting Provost Marshal, Colone (Col)l Emmanuel Tete Doke, remarked that military dogs have proven to be an effective tool in the fight against terrorism and expressed total confidence in the performance of the dogs and handlers in assisting with narcotics, ammunition, and explosives. He urged the Regiment to provide the dogs and handlers with the necessary support to ensure the facility's smooth operation.

The Guest of Honour, Col George Dottey, Deputy Brigade Commander, 16 Artillery, called on the Regiment to leave no stone unturned in the administration of the facility to make it remarkable. He expressed sincere appreciation to the Provost Marshal, GAFTAG, handlers, and everyone who helped make the facility a reality.

The National Dog Academy was established in June 1964 as a presidential security dog unit. It later came under the Ghana Police Service and the Border Guard Establishment. Today, the National Dog Academy serves as the centralised K9 training institution of the Ghana Armed Forces, responsible for training military working dogs and their handlers in support of internal security, detection, and force protection operations.

 Photograph by LS Berkoh Gregory Karkari