The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Major General (Maj Gen) Lawrence Kwaku Gbetanu has paid operational visits to the Headquarters Northern Command and Units under the Command from Tuesday 24 June to Friday 27 June 2025.
The 4 day visit formed part of his maiden tour of Units under his command to familiarise himself with the troops following his recent assumption of command.
During the period, the COAS visited the 6 Infantry Battalion, 69 Air Borne Force, 10, 11 and 12 Mechanized Battalions. Other Units visited were the Army Special Operations Training School, 155 Armoured Regiment, 93 Signal Regiment and the Joint Task Force Unit, Bawku.
The COAS was received with a colourful Guard of Honour from personnel of Northern Command. This was followed by a comprehensive briefing from the General Officer Commanding Northern Command, Brigadier General Worlanyo Agbebo and Commanding Officers (CO) of the various Units.
The brief included the operational structure, training programmes, equipment maintenance, administrative needs, logistical capabilities, welfare measures implemented and the challenges within the Units. The COAS inspected key installations, facilities and on-going projects in the various Units.
The COAS as part of his visit held durbar with all ranks in the Units where he interacted with troops. This provided the opportunity for open dialogue, allowing troops to express their concerns.
Maj Gen Gbetanu during his durbar reiterated his vision for the Ghana Army, which is “To maintain a motivated Army grounded on core military values, enabled by adaptive technologies and platforms, capable of projecting decisive land power as part of the Ghana Armed Forces.” He charged personnel to maintain discipline, uphold professional standards and remain committed to their duties.
He also emphasized the importance of maintaining physical fitness among personnel by reintroducing traditional exercises such as FIRE BLAST, THUNDER BOLT, TIGER’S PATH, and drill competitions. These activities are expected to foster camaraderie, enhance unit cohesion and revive the spirit of belonging to a noble institution.
The visit reinforced COAS’ commitment to fostering esprit de corps and ensuring the continued operational readiness of all units under his command.
He commended troops for their sacrifices in ensuring a peaceful environment in the Northern Sector and urged them to continue discharging their duties with utmost dedication and professionalism.
The visit saw COAS paying courtesy calls on the Northern Regional Minister, Upper West Regional Minister, Yaa Naa, Wa Naa and Yion Naa. During his visit, he expressed his appreciation to the Ministers and the Chiefs for their continuous support and collaborative effort in maintaining law and order in the Northern Sector.
