The Ghana Army School of Ammunition and Explosives (GASAE), in collaboration with facilitators from the United Kingdom Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Regiments’ Short-Term Training Teams (STTT), on Monday, June 23, held an opening ceremony for the Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD) Basic and Assistant Course 2/25 at Michel Camp.

This course aims to enhance the Army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) capabilities in addressing terrorist threats and to equip individuals with the essential skills and knowledge required to safely and effectively handle and dispose of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

The Assistant British Attaché at the British High Commission in Ghana, Staff Sergeant Dorian John, remarked that the collaboration between Ghana and the United Kingdom in Counter-Explosive Ordnance has thrived, and it is encouraging to see the progress made.

He noted that, as the suite of Counter Improvised Explosive Device (CIED) courses has progressed, the IEDD course is at the forefront of tackling a particularly insidious and indiscriminate threat that is prevalent in many operational theatres. Staff Sergeant Dorian subsequently introduced the new trainers for the course.

Colonel Francis Laapo, Commander of the Ghana Army School of Ammunition and Explosives, lauded the United Kingdom EOD Regiments’ Short-Term Training Teams (STTT) for their continued partnership.

In his address, he emphasised the growing threat of terrorism in Africa and the necessity of training individuals in IEDD to bolster the country's ability to protect its citizens and infrastructure from IED dangers.

He noted that the course is both practical and technical, designed to provide participants with crucial skills to safely manage IEDD.

The effective application of this knowledge and skill set will not only facilitate the safe movement of troops but also safeguard lives. He urged participants to stay committed and successfully complete the course.

In an unrelated event, the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC), Junior Division, has concluded its 20-week Junior Staff Course (JSC) 83.

A graduation ceremony was held on Friday, June 20, at the Hamidu Hall, Otu Barracks.

The Junior Staff Course is designed to develop the leadership, analytical and communication capabilities of junior officers, equipping them to effectively carry out command and staff responsibilities.

It emphasises research and the comprehensive understanding of single-service, joint and combined operations, along with foundational knowledge in defence management, economic issues, and geopolitical dynamics.

The course was delivered in two terms, lasting 9 and 10 weeks respectively. The first term focused on establishing foundational knowledge, while the second term built upon and strengthened the concepts introduced in the initial phase.

The guest of honour, Brig Gen Mike Akpatsu, Jnr (Rtd), in his remarks, expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the Chairman of the Staff College Control Board for the honour bestowed upon him.

He noted that the graduation marked the end of 20 weeks of rigorous work and sleepless nights, making it a major milestone in the professional journeys of the graduating officers.

He highlighted the importance of the course in shaping their careers, reminding them that the world today is confronted with numerous challenges to peace and security.

These include terrorism, ethnic and religious conflicts, as well as natural, environmental and human-induced disasters, all of which continue to wreak havoc on humanity.

He encouraged the graduands to put the knowledge and skills they had acquired to good use in developing a deeper understanding of how to address and manage these diverse threats, whether man-made or natural.

Brig Gen Akpatsu also urged the graduands, as professionals, to remain vigilant and adequately prepared to confront the challenges ahead. He advised them, as future commanders, to be proactive and solution-oriented in training, administering, and ensuring the welfare of personnel.

The Acting Commandant of the College, Brig Gen JK Wonje, conferred the Junior Staff Course (JSC) qualification on the graduands and congratulated them for their hard work and perseverance throughout the course.

The graduands earned a Postgraduate Degree in Defence and Security Studies, which was conferred on them by the Acting President of the National Defence University, Air Vice Marshall Felix Adom Asante.

They were encouraged to uphold the College’s esteemed reputation wherever they serve by putting into practice the knowledge and skills acquired during their training.

Certificates were presented to the graduands, with Captain TK Oklu adjudged the Overall Best Student.

Flight Lieutenant KO Sanni received both the Best Allied Student Award and the Best Assistant Commandant’s Paper Award, while Squadron Leader KA Olagboye was honoured with the Everard Award.

Source: Ghana Armed Forces