GAFTAG Equips 11 Mechanised Battalion

Demonstration by a dog handler

The German Armed Forces Technical Advisory Group (GAFTAG) with the support of the Department of Plans, Research and Development and the Provost Marshal of the Ghana Armed Forces have commissioned an ultramodern facility for the 11 Mechanised Battalion (11 Mech Bn) at Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region.

The facility includes a store room, washroom, kitchen, and restroom. They also handed over four dog kennels and a new vehicle to aid the 11 Mechanised Dog Team in their duties.

The facility was commissioned by the Commandant of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, Maj. Gen. R A Gyane assisted by the General Officer Commanding Northern Command, Brig. Gen. M. Essien, and the Head of Mission GAFTAG, Lt. Col. B. Frei.

The handing-over ceremony was followed by two demonstrations by three dog handlers, Private Arthur Maxwell, Private Nkansah Obed, and Private Asumado Philip on the capabilities of their Military Working Dogs.

The first demonstration was the detection of a C4 explosive substance that was hidden in some bags. The second demonstration was the detection of a weapon that had been fired and hidden in the bushes. The dogs were able to identify the explosive substance and the weapons.

The three handlers were trained at the Ghana National Dog Academy with their assigned dogs. They have since returned to their Unit to begin operations in the Area of Responsibility with the dogs.

“Three persons from 10 Mech Bn are currently undergoing training at the Ghana National Dog Academy. The training will end in December 2023 after which they will return to their Unit to begin operations in the 10 Mech Bn Area of Responsibility” a statement issued by the Director Public Relations Naval Captain MA Larbi noted.

BY Prince Fiifi Yorkers

 

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