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A historic flag-lowering and hoisting ceremony has been held at the 48 Engineer Regiment in Teshie on Thursday, 19 December 2024, to usher in the 14 Engineer Brigade of the Ghana Army.

The newly formed Brigade with Brigadier General (Brig Gen) Richard Kinney as the Commander and Colonel Emmanuel Asia as the Deputy Commander comprises the 48, 50, and 51 Engineer Regiments, with its headquarters situated in Kintampo.

Speaking at the flag changing ceremony, the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), Major General (Maj Gen) Bismarck Kwasi Onwona noted that the event demonstrated a shared commitment to the ongoing growth and transformation of the Ghana Armed Forces, marking the beginning of a new era for the Engineer Corps. He acknowledged the sacrifices and contributions of engineer personnel since 1939, stating that these sacrifices paved the way for the historic occasion.

The COAS highlighted that the Brigade and its Commands would provide a lifeline to enhance the operational effectiveness of the Army in capabilities such as fire support, communication support, engineer support, logistic support and cyber security among others.

He indicated that the 48 Engineer Regiment would provide combined engineer support to Southern Command and also make available engineer support to government in the southern part of the country while the 50 Engineer Regiment situated in Kintampo in the Bono East Region provides support to the Central Command and also provide assistance to government within that sector. The 51 Engineer Regiment will be responsible for Northern Command and be available to support government in the Northern sector.  

Maj Gen Onwona commended Lieutenant General Thomas Oppong-Peprah for his instrumental role in establishing the Armour Brigade, Signal Brigade, and Army Special Operations Brigade, laying the groundwork for the Engineer Brigade's creation.

The COAS was emphatic that the establishment of the nascent Engineer Brigade stemmed from the fact that the Engineer Corps had historically played a pivotal role in support of the Ghana Armed Forces and the Government. He made mention of notable projects undertaken by the Sappers, including construction of the El-Wak Sports Stadium and opening up of rural areas by constructing feeder roads and bridges across the length and breadth of the country.

Admitting that as a newly established brigade there would be challenges, the COAS expressed confidence in the ability of the Commander, Commanding Officers, Officers and Soldiers to surmount the challenges. He also assured that the Army Headquarters would continue to support in every conceivable way possible to lighten the burden of the Brigade.The COAS further commended the Commander 14 Engineer Brigade for his tenacity, sense of purpose and commitment to seeing to the realisation of the establishment of the 14 Engineer Brigade.

Maj Gen Onwona alongside the Colonel (Col) of the Regiment, Col Archibald Kand Newton Mallet (Rtd) decorated some personnel of 14 Engineer Brigade with a new insignia as a symbol of identification.