By Murtala Issah
Exercise Africa Lion, a US Africa Command-sponsored military exercise has opened in Tamale. The joint military exercise seeks to bolster collaboration between the US Army and their counterparts across some 18 nations globally.
In Ghana, the exercise is seen as an opportunity to boost the skills of Ghanaian troops in preventing and containing violent extremism, which is fast spreading from the Sahel towards Coastal countries including Togo, Benin, the Ivory Coast, and Ghana.
In his opening remarks at the ceremony to open Operation Africa Lion 2023, the General Officer Commanding the Northern Command, Brigadier General Mathew Essien, reiterated the commitment of the Ghana Armed Forces to protect the northern frontiers of Ghana from the threats of violent extremism and terrorism.
Brig Gen Essien noted that the threats of violent extremism from the Sahel to the country was “eminent, real and dangerous,” hence, the need for such exercises that are designed to enhance the capacity of troops in readiness to defend the borders of Ghana.
The leader of the United States Army team, Lieutenant Colonel John Morrow, stated in his remarks that EXERCISE AFRICAN LION 2023 is the United States Africa Command’s largest and premier joint exercise conducted on the African continent.
Lt. Col. Morrow added that the staff academics and field exercises are designed to improve capabilities and interoperability to prevent terrorists from operating within the borders of Ghana.
This year’s edition is being hosted by Ghana, Morocco, Tunisia, Senegal, and Djibouti with more than 10,000 participants from 18 nations.
