Chief G7 Training at Army Headquarters, Colonel Gabriel Mawuli Agboado has urged participants of the Gender Perspective in Combat Operations Course to apply a gender lens to advance inclusive and effective military practices. He made these remarks while officially closing the course on Thursday, 18 September 2025, at the Signal Training School, Burma Camp.
Colonel Agboado highlighted that the three-day course not only engaged participants in gender-related discussions but also challenged their assumptions and enhanced their understanding of integrating gender perspectives into combat operations. He emphasized that incorporating gender perspectives is a fundamental component of operational effectiveness, not a stand-alone task.
Colonel Agboado encouraged the participants to serve as role models by demonstrating through their actions that integrating gender perspectives is critical to mission success. He also urged them to act as advocates by sharing the knowledge gained with colleagues and superiors. Leaders who embrace this approach, he said, can drive meaningful and lasting change.
Praising the participants’ active engagement, thoughtful contributions, and commitment throughout the course, Colonel Agboado described the training as designed to impart knowledge and inspire transformation. He challenged them to apply these insights within their units, missions, and leadership duties, whether in planning, intelligence, logistics, or field operations.
He expressed heartfelt thanks to the European Union military staff and course facilitators for their partnership, and commended the G7 branch staff and the Commanding Officer of the Signal Training School for their invaluable support. Colonel Agboado also congratulated participants on successfully completing the course and advised them to remain ambassadors of gender awareness, operational excellence, and institutional progress within their units.
The European Union Defence Attaché, Lieutenant Colonel Ansgar Glatzel, expressed enthusiasm about the course’s outcomes, calling them proof of its success and the positive spirit generated. He explained that the course equipped participants with essential knowledge for their personal development, skills, competence, and expertise. They are now expected to promote this knowledge within their units by educating colleagues on the importance of gender perspectives.
Lieutenant Colonel Glatzel quoted, “When you know yourself and you know your enemy, you do not have to fear the outcome,” to highlight how the course encourages understanding beyond traditional strengths and weaknesses by incorporating the gender dimension.
He wished the participants success in their future endeavors and encouraged them to share their knowledge while continuing to develop their skills. He also expressed special gratitude to the Ghana Army, the G7 Training branch, and the course facilitators for their support and dedication.
As a gesture of appreciation, Colonel Agboado presented a plaque to the Course Director, Commander Ella Van Den Heuvel, and gifted each facilitator a Kente stole and Ghana Army customized bottle flasks. In return, the EU Defence Attaché presented a Command Coin to Colonel Agboado, the G7 staff officers, and the facilitators in recognition of their partnership and commitment.
Sponsored by the European Union, the course gathered 30 participants from various Ghana Army units. Training covered key topics such as gender perspectives at the tactical level, the Gender Concept, the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda, roles of gender advisers and focal points in missions, conflict-related sexual violence, and integrating gender perspectives across operational sections.
The Ghana Army, is Ghana’s Land Warfare Component tracing its origins from the Gold Coast Constabulary Regiment (GCCR) in the then British Empire, evolving through the years to become the present-day Professional Ghana Army.
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