The Southern Command of the Ghana Army has officially closed Exercise Starlight Stretch III 2026 at Nkwanta South in the Oti Region, a major military training exercise aimed at strengthening the operational readiness and preparedness of personnel to respond to emerging security threats.
The closing ceremony was held on Friday, August 28, 2026, at Nkwanta South in the Oti Region.
The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), Major General Lawrence Kwaku Gbetanu, who officially closed the exercise, said the training formed part of the Ghana Army’s efforts to enhance the capacity of its personnel to respond swiftly and effectively to complex and evolving security challenges confronting the country and the sub-region.
Speaking on behalf of the COAS, the Chief Staff Officer at Army Headquarters, Brigadier General Kwesi Ayima, said the various training activities undertaken during the exercise had provided participants with valuable opportunities to sharpen their operational skills and improve their readiness for deployment.
He urged the troops to reflect on the lessons acquired during the exercise and apply them in future operations to strengthen their effectiveness and preparedness.
Brigadier General Ayima commended 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 expressed appreciation to the General Officer Commanding Southern Command, Brigadier General Edward Awaribey, his staff officers, the Municipal Chief Executive for Nkwanta South, traditional authorities and residents for their cooperation and warm reception.
The General Officer Commanding Southern Command, Brigadier General Edward Awaribey, also commended the troops for their commitment, discipline and professionalism throughout the demanding training programme.
He said the exercise exposed personnel to realistic operational challenges and provided them with valuable experience that would enhance their confidence, resilience and overall operational effectiveness.
According to him, the exercise reinforced the importance of teamwork, interoperability and sound leadership, stressing that operational success depended largely on the ability of security personnel to work together as one cohesive force.
The Municipal Chief Executive for Nkwanta South, Joseph Awal Antwi, described the exercise as timely and significant, particularly in strengthening security within the municipality and improving collaboration between security agencies and the local community.
He expressed appreciation to the Ghana Armed Forces, particularly Army Headquarters and Southern Command, for selecting Nkwanta South as the host community for the exercise.
Mr. Antwi commended the Ghana Army for its continued commitment to promoting peace and stability in the area and assured the Armed Forces of the Assembly’s readiness to support initiatives that contribute to the security and development of Nkwanta South.
The successful completion of Exercise Starlight Stretch III is expected to further enhance the preparedness, resilience, and operational capabilities of participating personnel.
