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Ghana Army Headquarters Marks 2025 WASSA with Festivities

• 20 Dec
• Admin

The Ghana Army Headquarters rounded off its 2025 activities with the celebration of the West Africa Soldiers Social Activity (WASSA) on Friday, 19 December 2025, at the forecourt of the Army Headquarters in Accra.The event was graced by the Former Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), Major General William Azure Ayamdo (Rtd) as the Guest of Honour. In his address, he expressed profound appreciation to the current COAS, Major General Lawrence Kwaku Gbetanu, for the honour extended to him. Reflecting on his tenure at the headquarters, Maj Gen Ayamdo commended the sustained tradition of WASSA, describing it as a vital end-of-year ritual that offers personnel the opportunity to celebrate collective achievements while strengthening comradeship and professionalism within the Ghana Army.Maj Gen Ayamdo lauded significant strides made in human resource management, infrastructure development, training, and logistics. He noted that despite prevailing resource constraints, these improvements have enhanced the Army’s operational effectiveness and professional capacity. He also praised the vigilance of troops in safeguarding Ghana against violent extremism and transnational crime, highlighting operations such as Operation CONQUERED FIST along the northern borders as critical to national security.The retired General further highlighted the Army’s expansion efforts, including the establishment of new units, brigade headquarters, forward operating bases, and key infrastructure projects. These include an ultra-modern dormitory at the Army Peace Operations Training School (APOTS), a Special Operations Forces facility at Daboya, and the construction of family barracks across formations. Welfare-focused developments, such as a 200-bed dormitory block at Damango and a 400-bed accommodation facility at APOTS, were cited as evidence of the Army’s commitment to improving troop welfare. Declaring that “this is the best time to be a soldier in the Ghana Army”, Maj Gen Ayamdo declared.He also underscored renewed emphasis on professionalism through the reintroduction of basic fitness tests, field exercises such as TIGER’S PATH, FIRE BLAST, and STARLIGHT STRETCH, as well as the integration of drone capabilities by the 17 Army Signal Brigade. Ghanaian soldiers, he noted, continue to distinguish themselves internationally, citing successes at the 2025 CAMBRIAN PATROL Exercise in the United Kingdom and the Best Warrior Competition in the United States. He expressed gratitude to international partners, including Denmark, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and China, for their continued support.Maj Gen Ayamdo urged civilians to collaborate with the Army and desist from attacks on military personnel, while advising troops to respect the rights of civilians and avoid involvement in illegal activities, particularly in light of reduced United Nations peacekeeping deployments, which could increase domestic security risks. He also celebrated the Army Sports Teams for winning over 70 medals in volleyball, marathon races, and athletics, describing their achievements as a testament to teamwork and discipline.He concluded by thanking the COAS and personnel of the Army Headquarters for organizing the event, which once again reinforced camaraderie as a cherished end-of-year tradition. He also wished all personnel and their families a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.The event was also attended by serving and retired Service Chiefs, senior national security officials, members of the Diplomatic Corps, serving and retired Generals, representatives of civilian institutions, as well as families and friends of the Army Headquarters.As part of the celebration, awards were presented to deserving staff in recognition of their distinguished dedication and hard work.The event was crowned with vibrant entertainment from the Funky Millionaires Band, the Dekaworwo Cultural Group, and renowned musician Stonebwoy.