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Nkwanta – Aug. 28 – 24HourNews – The Chief Staff Officer (CSO), Army Headquarters, Brigadier General Kwesi Ayima, on behalf of the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), Major General Lawrence Kwaku Gbetanu, has closed Exercise STARLIGHT STRETCH III at Nkwanta in the Oti Region.
The closing ceremony was held on Friday, August 28, 2026.
Speaking on behalf of the COAS, Brig. Gen. Ayima said the exercise is a key training activity of the Ghana Army aimed at enhancing operational preparedness and ensuring personnel remain capable of responding swiftly and effectively to complex and evolving security challenges confronting the nation and the wider sub-region.
He noted that the various training activities had provided participants with opportunities to sharpen their operational skills and enhance their readiness for deployment. He urged them to reflect on the lessons gained and apply them in future operations to strengthen their effectiveness.
The CSO expressed appreciation to the General Headquarters, Commands and Brigades of the Ghana Army, sister security agencies and relevant civil institutions for their support towards the successful conduct of the exercise.
He also commended the General Officer Commanding (GOC) Southern Command and his staff, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), traditional authorities and the people of Nkwanta South for their cooperation and support throughout the exercise.
The GOC Southern Command, Brigadier General Edward Awaribey, commended all ranks for the commitment, discipline and professionalism demonstrated throughout the training.
He noted that the demanding programme had exposed troops to realistic operational challenges and provided valuable experience to enhance their confidence, resilience and operational effectiveness.
Brig. Gen. Awaribey emphasised that operational success depends not only on individual competence but also on teamwork, interoperability, sound leadership and the ability of personnel from different elements to operate as one cohesive force.
The MCE for Nkwanta South, Hon. Joseph Awal Antwi, described the exercise as timely and significant in strengthening security within the Municipality and enhancing collaboration between the security services and the local community.
He expressed appreciation to the Ghana Armed Forces, particularly Army Headquarters, for selecting Nkwanta South as the host community, and assured the Armed Forces of the Assembly’s continued support for initiatives that contribute to security and development.