The beauty of this land lies not only in its natural wonders but also within every inhabitants who bring joy and meaning to life. We must defend the people and their rights as ardent defenders of our country.
And when violent extremists emerge, posing a threat to world citizens, we must work cross-nationally to establish regional security, safeguard the populace, and ensure a bright future.
Against this backdrop, Ghana has for the first time in 15 years hosted this year’s Flintlock exercise.
This year’s exercise brought over 200 participants from 30 countries and inter-agencies to develop a global special operators force network to provide local security and improve command control between African partner nations and their Western allies.
The exercise, which began in March ended on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, with a demonstration of how military troops from the selected countries will fight terror attacks should there be any insurgence In their respective countries.
Rear Admiral Jamie Sands, who is the commander of the U.S Special Operations Command Africa could not hide his joy at how the exercise would have positive impacts on the countries.
“The last few days visiting the training sites in Ghana and in Cote d’Ivoire and seeing the high quality of training of forces participating. It is always heartening to see first-hand the tremendous benefits exercises like this bring to all of us,” he noted.
US Ambassador to Ghana Virginia Palmer said nipping in the bud threats to terrorism will spur economic growth.
“We know security concerns cannot be fully addressed without military force. If we want lasting solutions tackling root causes of conflict, economic, weak institutions, and competition over resources we have to address those threats as well. Improved security conditions creates the stability required the ability to attract foreign investment and encourage economic growth.”
Commandant of the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College Major General Irvine Nii- Ayitey Aryeetey also urged participants to put in their utmost best in their line of duty after the training.
“As you begin this exercise, I urge all the participants to approach it with the utmost professionalism, discipline, and respect for each other. I wish all participants the very best in the final mission and let us continue to maintain the bonds that unite us.”
The Flintlock series was redesigned into a single multinational training exercise with a new purpose to address the key themes of counter-terrorism, counter-illicit traffic, collected security, and partnership.
Operation Flintlock is in response to the spread of extremist violence in the Sahel and the West African sub-region.
By: Zoe Anita Odei | Metrotvonline.com | Ghana
