News

Exercise Storm Shield 2026 Commences

• 13 May
• Admin

By LAC Botsio Collins

EXERCISE STORM SHIELD 2026 has commenced with an opening ceremony on Tuesday 12 May 2026, at the Joint Task Force Headquarters, Bazua, in the Upper East Region of Ghana. The Exercise, being conducted by the Ghana Army in collaboration with the Ghana Navy and Ghana Air Force, aims to enhance inter-service cooperation, improve operational coordination and build personnel capacity to respond effectively to emerging security threats.

Under the theme ‘Countering violent extremism and terrorism for sustainable peace and development’, the battalion-level field training exercise aims to equip participating troops to respond effectively to terrorism and other contemporary threats. The Guest of Honour for the opening ceremony, Brigadier General (Brig Gen) Franklyn Worlanyo Kwasi Agbebo, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) Northern Command, noted in his opening remarks that rapidly evolving security dynamics in the West African sub-region demand a high level of operational readiness, interoperability, and professionalism from the security services.

He added that the growing complexity of asymmetric threats, violent extremism, transnational organised crime, and emerging security challenges underscores the need for continuous, realistic, and mission-oriented preparation.

Brig Gen Agbebo urged instructors and troops to approach the training with uncompromising professionalism, discipline and a relentless commitment to learning, emphasising that these are the keys to any successful operation. He charged troops to embrace professionalism without compromise, continuous self-improvement and teamwork, while reminding soldiers that operational success depends on a strong mentality and effective coordination.

The GOC further urged troops to train with purpose, follow safety regulations and emerge mentally alert and physically fit for real-world operations. He concluded his remarks with a clarion call to honour the nation’s trust by remaining ready to defend Ghana’s territorial integrity.

EXERCISE STORM SHIELD 2026 is being conducted with active support from sister security agencies. The two-week exercise is divided into 2 phases: Phase One consists of tabletop exercises, while Phase 2 involves field demonstrations of lessons learned, to be staged at two designated areas in Bazua and the Bui general areas in the Upper East and Bono Regions, respectively.

The Exercise’s integrated nature is intended to enhance joint operational coordination and mutual understanding among participating institutions, improve team readiness, and strengthen organisational resilience.

Pictures by Sgt Hormeku Fiakofi Setsoafia and Cpl Boateng Darlington