Vicenza: Medical personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) have recorded an impressive performance at the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) Best Medic Competition held in Vicenza, Italy, from January 5 to 15, 2026.
According to Ghana News Agency, this achievement reflects Ghana's growing professionalism and international military cooperation. SETAF-AF is responsible for preparing U.S. Army forces, executing crisis response operations, and strengthening partnerships in support of U.S. Army Europe and Africa, as well as the U.S. Africa Command.
The multinational competition allowed medics from participating countries to exchange best practices and enhance interoperability in advanced trauma care and delayed evacuation procedures. This ensures readiness for joint operations during future crises.
The event brought together 24 medical professionals from Ghana, Italy, Liberia, and the United States to test their physical endurance, clinical judgment, and technical competence under simulated combat conditions. Ghana fielded a four-member joint team for the second consecutive year, highlighting the country's commitment to joint operations and medical readiness within multinational security partnerships.
At the conclusion of the competition, two GAF medics, Sergeant Cornelius Adagbe and Leading Seaman Ato Amonoo Rockson, placed third overall, scoring 2,789 out of a possible 3,000 points. Leading Seaman Rockson also achieved the second-highest score in the U.S. Army Fitness Test with 454 out of 500 points, while Sergeant Adagbe came second in the unknown-distance foot march.
The competition consisted of two main phases: a knowledge exchange and a competitive segment. Participants received training in chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear response, resilience and mindful movement, M4 carbine marksmanship, trauma care, and prolonged casualty care. The competitive phase, held on January 13 and 14, simulated high-stress, life-saving scenarios typical in battlefield environments.
Mr. Rolf Olson, Charg© d'Affaires ad interim at the U.S. Embassy in Accra, emphasized the significance of Ghana's participation, stating that the GAF medics' performance demonstrated the depth of the bilateral security partnership between Ghana and the United States. He noted that Ghana's continued participation in this premier event is a testament to the professional calibre of its medical personnel.
Outstanding individual and team performances were noted across several medical disciplines. Leading Seaman Rockson was recognized alongside a U.S. Army medic for delayed evacuation casualty management, while Captain Emmanuel Oti Boateng of the GAF shared honors in tactical combat casualty care with a U.S. Army medic. Additionally, Sergeant Adagbe and Leading Seaman Rockson were among the top performers in K-9 casualty care.
U.S. Army Sergeant Major Shanett Robinson, Chief Medical Non-Commissioned Officer of SETAF-AF, remarked that the competition was designed to validate medical skills in a demanding, interoperable environment. She highlighted that the competition is about building medical excellence for the fight today, creating a high-stress environment where U.S. soldiers and international medics can test and refine their skills together.