Maj Gen Bismarck Kwasi Onwona
The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), Maj Gen Bismarck Kwasi Onwona has disclosed that the Ghana Army, in collaboration with the United States Army, would host the 2025 African Land Forces Summit.
He made the disclosure at the just-ended International Defence Exhibition and Conference 2024 (IDEC 24) hosted by the Ghana Army at Burma Hall.
The COAS was hopeful that the partners and stakeholders of IDEC 24 would collaborate towards the success of the summit.
The summit would bring together African leaders and partner nations to exchange information, encourage cooperation in addressing challenges and deepen diplomatic ties.
In his closing remarks, Maj Gen Kwasi Onwona said the IDEC 24, which focused on the theme “Enhancing Regional Mechanisms for Addressing Contemporary Security Challenges in Africa”, adopted pronged approach throughout the conference sessions, which were complemented by the exhibition sessions, soaking state of the art and cutting-edge military technology.
This, he said, has highlighted the complexity of the threat of violent extremism and terrorism in the Sahara region, and the fact that it presents a clear and present danger to the African continent as a whole.
“The transnational and interconnected nature of the threat has been well established. The need for concerted approach towards the fight against this threat has been amply underscored in our deliberations.
“Mechanisms such as the Accra Initiative was stressed by the President in his keynote address, in addition to the seven strategies,” he added.
The Minister for Defence, Dominic Nitiwul, emphasised the significance of the programme in addressing contemporary threats facing the African continent.
Mr. Nitiwul expressed confidence that these discussions will continue in various forums, including lecture rooms, regional meetings, and cabinet meetings, driving technological innovation solutions.
The minister acknowledged Ghana’s lead role in the sub-region and region, facilitating collaboration among friendly nations to address complex peace and security challenges. He urged participants to build on the connections made during IDEC 2024, negotiating bilateral and multilateral arrangements for mutual benefits.
By Prince Fiifi Yorke