Accra: Brigadier-General Samuel Yeboah Asare, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Southern Command of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), has reaffirmed the GAF's commitment to addressing external threats to national security. Speaking at a Land Combat and Fire Power Demonstration Exercise, he emphasized the importance of enhancing the skills and preparedness of ground troops to effectively respond to uncertainties both within and outside the country. According to Ghana News Agency, the exercise aimed to showcase the capabilities of the armed forces and reassure the public of their commitment to safeguarding Ghana's sovereignty. Brig-Gen Asare highlighted that ongoing training and readiness are vital components of GAF's strategy to counter any potential aggression, ensuring the safety and security of the nation. He stated that the protection of the territorial integrity of the country against external aggression is a constitutional mandate of the Ghana Armed Forces, and the forces also have a secondary rol e of maintaining internal and external security, supporting civil authority in the country. The Land Combat and Fire Power Demonstration Exercise took place at the Army Peace Operations Training School (APOTS) in the Battle Training Camp, Bundasi, near Accra. The event was part of the training for Senior Course 46 students of the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC). The exercise showcased the GAF's military capabilities in a mock battle scenario. It was attended by 98 senior officer students from the GAF, along with 16 allied officers from other African nations. Brig-Gen Asare highlighted the significance of the exercise in demonstrating the GAF's readiness to defend the nation's territorial integrity. The exercise illustrated the effective use of fire assets and tactical formations, reinforcing the GAF's commitment to addressing external threats and ensuring national security. He explained that the objective of the exercise was to enable the students to appreciate the utilisation of asset s of a battle group, which formed part of a joint task force to lead an operational framework, understanding the Ghana Army's concept of operations and capabilities. This year's exercise was particularly elaborate, highlighting the capabilities of the GAF. The event highlighted the combined efforts of various infantry battalions and supporting units, along with air and naval assistance, to illustrate the armed forces' readiness to counter aggression and ensure internal security within designated areas. Troops from the One Battalion of Infantry (1BN), Two Battalion of Infantry (2BN), 64 Battalion of Infantry (64BN), and 66 Artillery Regiment participated actively, alongside the 15 Armoured Brigade and the 48 Engineers Regiment. Air Vice Marshal Frederick Asare Bekoe, the Chief of Air Staff, emphasized the importance of the exercise in enhancing the readiness of troops to effectively counter aggressors and neutralize potential threats. He stressed that such exercises were crucial for positioning the military to defend the nation against adversaries who may seek to undermine its stability. Air Vice Marshal Bekoe urged the troops to maintain professionalism and vigilance, particularly as the country approaches national elections, noting the role of the military in safeguarding Ghana's democracy. Air Commodore Thomas Nii Fio Okai, Deputy Commandant of the GAFCSC, commended service commanders and partners for their support in organizing the exercise. The Land Combat Fire Power Demonstration is an annual training event organized by the GAF for students of the senior division course at the GAFCSC, aiming to enhance the students' understanding of the joint and interoperable nature of modern military operations.