Akim-achiase: The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) have reiterated their resolve to protect the country’s territorial integrity amid the growing insurgencies and contemporary security challenges confronting sub-Saharan Africa. Major General Lawrence Gbetanu, Chief of the Army Staff, affirmed that the military was prepared to address these existential threats, emphasizing the unwavering commitment of the military high command during the 15th edition of Exercise Tigers’ Path at the Akim-Achiase Jungle Warfare School (JWS) in the Eastern Region.
According to Ghana News Agency, this year’s Exercise Tigers’ Path included tactical drills such as battle procedures, first aid, tactical casualty evacuation, improvised river crossing drills, platoon administration, offensive operations in the jungle, helicopter vectoring and marshalling drills, marksmanship, physical fitness, endurance, confidence building, and patrolling techniques. The JWS, since its opening on November 2, 1976, has gained international recognition as a Centre of Excellence in jungle warfare training, which has become increasingly significant amidst the rising insurgencies, violent extremism, and terrorism in the sub-region.
The United Nations has reported that around four million people have been displaced across Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and neighboring countries due to insurgencies and terrorism-related incursions. Additionally, data from the International Organisation for Migration shows a 62 percent increase in migrants arriving in Europe from the Sahelian countries in the first half of 2024, compared to the previous year, with the UN and IOM attributing this rise to ongoing insurgencies.
Major General Gbetanu characterized the security threats facing the sub-region as unpredictable, highlighting the need for superior military skills and tactical prowess to address them effectively. He noted that Exercise Tigers’ Path offers an invaluable opportunity to enhance combat skills, reinforce joint operations, and evaluate responses to both conventional and unconventional threats.
Lieutenant Colonel Jacob Codjoe, the JWS Commanding Officer, urged participants of the 2025 program to adhere to the Armed Forces’ code of ethics to maintain discipline. He emphasized the importance of equipping regular forces with the capability to operate effectively against contemporary threats arising from insurgency and terrorism. The event was attended by Deputy Defence Minister Ernest Brogya Genfi and Chief of the Defence Staff Lieutenant General William Agyapong, who aimed to motivate and uplift the morale of the military personnel.
Exercise Tigers’ Path, initiated in 1991, is a biennial competition involving various services and formations of the GAF, including the Ghana Army, Navy, Airforce, Southern Command, Central Command, Northern Command, and Supporting Services.