By Christiana Afua Nyarko
Accra, April 8, GNA – Senior military officials from Africa, the United States, and elsewhere have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing security cooperation at the ongoing African Land Forces Summit (ALFS) in Accra.
The four-day summit brings together military chiefs and senior officers to focus on regional partnerships, civilian oversight, and addressing threats such as terrorism, extremism, and instability.
At a press briefing themed “Optimizing Land Forces for the Emerging Environment,” U.S. and African military officials emphasised the need to align military activities with civilian authority structures.
Major General Andrew C. Gainey, Commanding General of the US Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), emphasized that ALFS meetings are intentionally structured to strengthen governance and support development initiatives.
“There is a deliberate approach to integrating military, policy, and development efforts. Only by working across sectors can we achieve the stability and security needed for prosperity,” he said.
Responding to concerns about America’s long-term commitment to Africa amid shifting global alliances, Maj. Gen. Gainey cited initiatives like African Lion and Medical Readiness Training Exercises (MEDRETE) as evidence of sustained engagement.
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Ghana’s Minister of Defence, urged African land forces to devise effective solutions for cybersecurity and terrorism, particularly in the Sahel region.
He expressed his concerns about the persistent security threats confronting African armed forces and urged senior military officers to collaborate on developing enduring solutions.
The summit, co-hosted by SETAF-AF and the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), has brought together over 300 military and civilian representatives from more than 40 countries.
GNA
KAS