Ghana, Israel Strengthen Military Cooperation

About 25 commanders from the Ghana Armed Forces’ 64 Regiment Special Unit have successfully gone through a three-day special Counter-Terrorism Training by the Israeli Defence Force (IDF).

This was one of a kind collaboration between Israeli Defence Force (IDF) and the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).

Led by a team of seven officers from the IDF, the GAF commanders received training in the areas of shooting ranges, Krav maga (an Israeli self-defense and fighting system) and skills building for dealing with hostage situations. At the closing ceremony on Wednesday, 5 September, the participants were awarded with certificates of appreciation and participation. The team also exhibited a practical demonstration of the acquired skills to the Minister of Defence, Hon.Dominic Nitiwul, the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Commodore Wayoe, Deputy Director, Col. Ako Adjei and State of Israel’s Ambassador designate to Ghana, H. E. Shani Cooper.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, H. E. Shani Cooper expressed delight in the military cooperation between the State of Israel and the Republic of Ghana, and stressed on more future military cooperation to strengthen relations between Israel and Ghana.

“It is evident that the State of Israel and the Republic of Ghana have similar challenges and we hope there will be more opportunities to exchange ideas in our military cooperation,” she said.

The Minister of Defence, Hon. Dominic Nitiwul also emphasized on the need to strengthen military cooperation between Israel and Ghana.

“The fight against terrorism has become a global issue that requires well-trained security forces to fight the menace. This collaborative training between the Ghana Armed forces and the Israeli Defence Force is a step in the right direction which adds to our efforts to ensure our preparedness and capacity building.”

He therefore expressed his appreciation to the State of Israel and the Israeli Defence Force for their initiative to share their vast experience in counter-terrorism with Ghana.

The Israeli Military Defence Attache’ to Africa, Col Aviezer Segal shared that, the Israeli Ministry of Defence is ready to collaborate with Ghana’s Ghana Ministry of Defence to share expertise.

“Throughout the years, Israel addressed its threats by maintaining its technological superiority supported by world leading defence industries and training methods. I hope this training will bring the two countries to more cooperation and collaborations in the world of defence, security, training and know each other better,” he added.