GAF’s Signal Training School Complex Building inaugurated

By Selorm GBORDBIZI & Romie AVIVI STUHL, Accra

The Minister of Defence, Dominic Nitiwul, has encouraged African countries to study the characteristics of the operations of terrorist groups within the Sahel, due to the increasing possibility of cooperation among these groups.

He said that the re-branding of domestic terrorist groups in the Sahel region presents a myriad of security challenges which militate against the economic growth and emancipation of the sub-region.

He noted that the formation of alliances between Jihadist entities such as the Movement for Unity and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO), Boko Haram and other terrorist organisations is down to their desire to remain relevant as extremist groups on the global stage.

In a statement read on his behalf by his deputy, Kofi Amankwaah Manu, at the Commissioning of a newly constructed five-classroom Signal Training School Complex Building, he indicated that whilst each group has its unique context and operational  dynamic, it is recognized that they have embarked on an agenda to consolidate their gains.

However, the extent of inner-group collaboration and the subsequently increased threat to the sub-region, as well as interests of external powers, remains unknown.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Vice Admiral Seth Amoama, noted that “combating these threats requires continuous training, real-time surveillance capabilities, and communication support, among others.”

He explained that the German Armed Forces Technical Advisory Group (GAFTAG) has been doing this for the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) for several years.

Lt Colonel Bernd Frei, the Head of Mission for GAFTAG, said that the Signals Training School is a special moment in Ghana and Germany’s relationship. He explained that is is the biggest construction work for GAF in 22 years.

Frei pointed out that the construction of the Signals Training School is an important milestone, but much work still has to be done. The building is ready in terms of infrastructure, but not in terms of equipment, maintenance and care.

He was hopeful that by the end of next year “we will be able to say that we have succeeded in creating a Signals Training School that is second to none.”

German Ambassador Daniel Krull said that Ghana remains an important partner for Germany. “Ghana is a beacon of democracy in a region where insecurity is on the rise.”

Krull explained that Ghana’s insistence on human rights and rule of law are essential in the promotion of peacekeeping.

“The fight against terrorism does not justify any deviation from this rule. We recognize and share Ghana’s security concerns especially with regard to the risk that the modus operandi of terrorist groups and organized crimes spill over from neighboring countries in the North,” Krull said.

“But we’re convinced that even in this height against the parenthood of terrorism spillovers we insist that international human rights standards are held and we know this is a view held by out Ghanaian partners,” he continued.

The Ambassador said he hopes Ghana’s and Germany’s relationship will continue to flourish.

He promised that Germany will help Ghana on a need-based basis when Ghana requests assistance.

The Signal Training School will include three laboratories for drone, cyber, and radio; two workshops for telecommunication and electronics; an Electronic Warfare classroom; a library; an auditorium for 100 persons; 13 offices for the school staff; two server rooms; a storeroom; and a roof training area with attached 30m high radio transmission tower.