The General Officer Commanding (GOC), Southern Command, Brigadier General Edward Awaribey, has opened Exercise Starlight Stretch III at Nkwanta in the Oti Region.
The three-week exercise, which commenced on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, is designed to enhance the preparedness of the Ghana Armed Forces to respond effectively to the increasingly complex security environment confronting the nation and the sub-region.
Speaking on behalf of the GOC, the Command Operations Officer at the Headquarters of the Southern Command, Colonel Lawrence Seddoh Agbedoawu, emphasised that Exercise Starlight Stretch has become one of the Ghana Army’s flagship training activities.
Colonel Agbedoawu said participating troops would undergo intensive and realistic training covering the full spectrum of internal security, counter-insurgency, countering violent extremism and terrorism operations.
He noted that the exercise would progressively develop individual proficiency, small-unit competence, tactical decision-making and combat team effectiveness through structured instruction, practical exercises and realistic field scenarios.
He urged participants to remain focused throughout the exercise and strictly adhere to all safety instructions, weapons-handling procedures and environmental protection measures.
“Let this training sharpen your professional competence, strengthen teamwork, improve leadership at every level, and enhance your confidence in executing operational tasks under demanding conditions.
“The knowledge and skills you acquire here may one day prove decisive in protecting the security and sovereignty of our beloved nation,” he stated.
Col Agbedoawu expressed sincere appreciation to the Army Headquarters, General Headquarters, the various formations and brigades of the Ghana Armed Forces, sister security agencies and all civil institutions whose support and collaboration had made the exercise possible.
He also conveyed the profound appreciation of the General Officer Commanding to the Municipal Chief Executive of the Nkwanta South Municipal Assembly for his immense contribution, invaluable support and cooperation towards the successful commencement and conduct of the exercise.
In his opening remarks, the Commanding Officer of the 1 Infantry Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Enoch Awudu, described Exercise Starlight Stretch III as a timely and important training activity aimed at enhancing the preparedness of personnel to respond effectively to emerging security threats.
He explained that the exercise was designed to assess and train participants in various tactical operations at the combat team level, with particular emphasis on internal security and counter-insurgency operations.
Present at the ceremony were Deputy Staff Officer Ibrahim Amidu, representative of the Bureau of National Investigation; Assistant Commissioner of Police Asiedu Michael, Divisional Police Commander, Nkwanta South; Assistant Superintendent of Police Goxoxo Julius, District Police Commander, Nkwanta South; and Assistant Superintendent of Police Wilson Edward, Ghana Police Operations Officer, Nkwanta South.
Also read:
