H. E. Shani Cooper (right)
About 25 commanders from the 64 Regiment Special Unit of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) have successfully gone through a three-day Counter-Terrorism training by the Israeli Defence Force (IDF). This was a special collaboration between IDF and 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, Dominic Nitiwul; the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Commodore Wayoe; Deputy Director, Col. Ako Adjei; and State of Israel’s Ambassador designate to Ghana, Shani Cooper.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Ambassador Cooper expressed delight in the military cooperation between the State of Israel and the Republic of Ghana, stressing the need for 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, Dominic Nitiwul, also emphasized the need to strengthen military cooperation between Israel and Ghana.
He stressed: “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 said the Israeli Ministry of Defence was ready to collaborate with Ghana’s 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 more cooperation and collaborations in the areas of defence, security, training, and know each other better,” he added.