Ghana Armed Forces graduates 30 personnel from special operations course

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has graduated 30 personnel from the Army Special Operations Forces Basic Course 5, following a rigorous nine-month training program designed to bolster the nation's elite defense capabilities. The graduation ceremony, which marks the completion of extensive tactical and mental assessments, saw one officer and 29 soldiers join the ranks of the Army Special Operations Brigade. These personnel are now prepared to address complex security threats, including terrorism and organized crime, which pose persistent challenges to the Republic of Ghana.

The intensive training regime began in January 2025 with an initial cohort of 87 candidates, but the demanding selection process narrowed the field to the final 30 graduates. Throughout the nine-month period, the participants underwent specialized tactical training across diverse environments to prepare them for high-stakes operational duties. During the ceremony, Brigadier General Franklyn Worlanyo Agbebo emphasized the strategic necessity of maintaining such specialized forces in the current regional security climate, reminding the graduates of their duty to uphold military law and the Constitution.

Brigadier General Richard Kainyi Mensah, Commander of the Army Special Operations Brigade, urged the new graduates to maintain high professional standards and remain ready for evolving security challenges. He also advocated for greater gender diversity within the elite unit, specifically encouraging more female personnel to aspire to roles within special operations. The military continues to prioritize the development of these specialized units, with the next assessment for the Army Special Operations Forces Basic Course 6 scheduled to take place in November 2025.