By Eunice Botchway
Brigadier General (Brig Gen) Isaac Nicholas Paintsil, the General Officer Commanding Southern Command, officially closed the Ghana Armed Forces Sergeant Majors Convention 2026 on Friday 8 May 2026 at the Engineer Training School’s Jurgen Kunz Auditorium, Wajir Barracks.
Delivering closing remarks on behalf of the Chief of the Army Staff, Major General Lawrence Kwaku Gbetanu, Brig Gen Paintsil noted that the past 5 days had facilitated productive discussions, insightful presentations and meaningful exchanges.
He highlighted the importance of junior leadership, discipline, preserving tradition and addressing emerging security challenges. He commended the Sergeant Majors for their commitment, professionalism and enthusiasm throughout the convention, which he said had led to high-quality deliberations on discipline, leadership, training and administration.
He urged participants to apply what they had learnt and translate it into tangible improvements. “Leadership is defined by example, influence and consistency of character, not just rank,” he said, adding that they should remain custodians of discipline, champions of professionalism and mentors to the next generation of leaders.
Brig Gen Paintsil further thanked the resource persons for their contributions and practical insights, and expressed appreciation to staff from various units for their tireless efforts in ensuring the convention ran smoothly. He said he was confident the outcomes would positively impact leadership and operational readiness throughout the Service.
Speaking on behalf of her fellow Sergeant Majors, SWOI Logan Patience expressed heartfelt appreciation to the High Command and organisers for their support. She acknowledged their guidance and dedication to the Ghana Armed Forces and assured them that the knowledge gained would be applied to help realise the High Command’s vision.
Over the five-day convention, participants received presentations from Service Chiefs and from serving and retired officers on topics including GAF customs, values and traditions; contemporary policies and challenges facing the GAF; sustaining discipline and excellence in a changing military environment; adapting leadership styles to modern threats; GAF policy on the use of social media; and developing the soldier: the strategic role of the Sergeant Major.
