Ghana Armed Forces Warns of Rising Terrorism, Violent Extremism in Sahel and West Africa

The Ghana Armed Forces has warned of rising terrorism, violent extremism and organised crime across the Sahel and West Africa, stressing the need for highly trained specialised forces to confront the growing threats.

Army Special Operations Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Richard Kainyi Mensah, gave the warning at the graduation of the Army Special Operations Forces Basic Course 5/2026.

He said the contemporary security environment is increasingly complex and demands disciplined, resilient and highly capable special operations operators.

> "Special operations training is characterised by physical hardship, mental endurance, courage, discipline and determination," he said.

The graduation marked the successful completion of a demanding nine-month programme. According to Brig. Gen. Mensah, 87 personnel, comprising two officers and 85 soldiers, attempted the selection process last year.

Out of that number, only 30 candidates qualified for training, which commenced on January 12 this year.

After nine months of intensive training, 20 operators, comprising one officer and 19 soldiers, successfully completed the course.

Of the 20 graduates, 13 belong to the Army Special Operations Brigade, while seven were drawn from other Armed Forces units, including the 5th Infantry Battalion, 10 Mechanic Battalion, 153 Armoured Regiment, Jungle Warfare School, 37 Military Hospital, and the Ghana Armed Forces Physical Training School.

Brig. Gen. Mensah noted that internationally, special operations selection processes often record attrition rates between 50 to 70 percent, underscoring the toughness of the course and the quality of those who completed it.