The Ghana Army Special Forces Basic Course 4-2025 has graduated 17 elite operators after an intense eight-month training program. The ceremony took place at the Right to Dream Academy in Old Akrade, Akuse, on Friday, September 19, 2025.
In his address as the guest of honour, the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), Major General Lawrence Kwaku Gbetanu stated that the eight months of intense and rigorous training had earned the soldiers their place in the elite Ghana Army Special Forces, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s defence capabilities.
He highlighted that the training pushed the graduates to their limits, testing their perseverance, sacrifice, and determination to exceed expectations.
The COAS expressed pride in the graduates, commending them for their outstanding performance during the equipment static display and the demonstration of their capabilities to neutralize leveraged threats. He emphasized that the soldiers are now fully prepared for the most challenging assignments, both within Ghana and abroad.
Addressing the complex security landscape facing Ghana, the COAS highlighted increasing threats posed by violent extremism near national borders, technological advancements, and asymmetrical conflicts across Africa. He noted that these multifaceted threats require a multinational and coordinated response, which the Army Special Operations Brigade was established to address.
He indicated that celebrating its fourth anniversary this year, the Brigade has strengthened ties through collaborative training exercises with international partners, enhancing cooperation and resilience among partner nations against global asymmetric threats.
COAS reaffirmed the critical role of the Special Forces within Ghana’s national defence strategy, as a highly trained, rapid-response force capable of independent and joint operations to protect the country’s territorial integrity.
He expressed his appreciation to training facilitators from various units, including the Ghana Navy, Air Force, Medical Corps, Support Services Brigade Command, Army Training Command, and especially the Army Special Operations Brigade instructors for their unwavering dedication.
He also extended gratitude to the United States, United Kingdom, Austria, Denmark, India, and Egypt for their ongoing technical training and logistical support to the Ghana Army and Special Operations Brigade, reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to building on these vital collaborations.
The COAS added that the graduation marks a pivotal moment in enhancing Ghana’s military readiness and its ability to counter increasingly complex security threats both regionally and internationally.
The Commander of the Army Special Operations Brigade, Brigadier General Richard K. Mensah, in his remarks noted that since its formation four years ago, the Brigade has enjoyed strong leadership and support from both the Ghana Armed Forces and international partners. He said the Brigade is on track to achieving key milestones in responding effectively to crises, disasters, and emergencies.
Brig Gen Mensah reported that while 105 all ranks were expected to participate in the selection process, 83 including 5 officers and 78 soldiers reported. After selections, only 22 proceeded to the foundation stage, and after eight months of rigorous training, only 17 men earned the right and privilege to join the elite Ghana Armed Forces Special Forces Operators.
He also disclosed that the individual warrior who participated in the Best Warrior Competition in North Dakota, USA, excelled, coming first in four out of six disciplines. Brig Gen Mensah extended thanks to both local and international sponsors for their support and commitment towards the successful completion of the course.
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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