News

COAS Decorates New Special Force Operatives

• 06 Sep
• Admin

The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), Major General (Maj Gen) Bismarck Kwasi Onwona has on Friday, 6 September 2024 decorated graduates of the Special Forces Basic Course 3-2024 and Basic Sniper Course 2-2024 with respective badges during a passing out ceremony at the Headquarters of the Army Special Operations Brigade in Accra.Fifteen (15) personnel, including operatives, snipers, and special dog handlers, completed the eight months of rigorous training. The graduation ceremony was preceded by a demonstration of a direct action operation to capture some high value targets to ensure the security of the country.Maj Gen Onwona expressed pride in the graduates, highlighting that their dedication and perseverance have earned them the prestigious Special Forces Operator's Badge, marking their entry into the elite forces of the Ghana Army. He noted that their training had equipped them for challenging missions both domestically and internationally.  The COAS also expressed elation at the special operations dogs trained in Austria, emphasizing the evolving security threats faced by the nation due to technological advancements and the asymmetric nature of conflicts in Africa. He reminded the new operatives that their journey continues with further skills development and assured them of his commitment to providing necessary logistics for the Army Special Operations Brigade. Maj Gen Onwona commended the training facilitators from various military branches and thanked international partners, including the USA, UK, Austria, Denmark, India, and Arab nations, for their support. Recognition was given to outstanding individuals, including Sergeant (Sgt) Kalatey Robert, who excelled in the Special Operations Dog Handling Course in Austria and AG 11, who was named Best in the Basic Sniper Course 2-2024.  Sgt Ayarik David was awarded for achieving International Distinction in the Platoon Sergeants Battle Course in the United Kingdom, while Roster No 004 emerged the Overall Best in the Special Forces Basic Course 3-2024.