The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) have reinforced their bilateral defence relations during a two-day meeting in Ghana. Held on 29-30 July at the Command Officers Mess in Burma Camp, the meeting featured high-ranking officials, including Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Defence, Kofi Amankwa-Manu, and South Africa’s Acting Secretary for Defence, Dr Thobekile Gamede.

This meeting follows a February 2023 Memorandum of Understanding aimed at facilitating military exchange training programmes. Key discussions revolved around military exercises, intelligence sharing, and the procurement of defence equipment, according to a statement from the GAF.

The February agreement was succeeded by a South Africa-Ghana Bi-National Commission held in March 2024 in Pretoria, where both nations reaffirmed their commitment to bilateral cooperation across various sectors, notably defence and security.

Amankwa-Manu highlighted that the July assembly of senior military officers from both nations served as a platform to rekindle camaraderie, deepen bilateral ties, and bolster African economic integration as envisioned in the African Union’s Agenda 2063. He expressed optimism that the collaboration would better equip the defence establishments of both countries to address challenges and enhance continental security. The minister commended the South African delegates for their contributions of knowledge, experiences, and valuable recommendations.

Additionally, Amankwa-Manu emphasized the potential benefits of leveraging opportunities presented by the Defence Industry Holding Company (DIHOC) of the Ghana Armed Forces.

Gamede underscored the long-standing defence and security relationship between Ghana and South Africa, which spans several decades. She expressed her appreciation for the ongoing collaboration and hoped for continued partnership to strengthen the security frameworks of both countries against current and future threats.

During her visit, Gamede and her delegation met with Chief of the Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Thomas Oppong-Peprah, at the General Headquarters. She congratulated him on his promotion and discussed further strengthening military ties. Oppong-Peprah noted that the GAF and SANDF have collaborated on training, defence industries, and security operations, enhancing bilateral relations. He called for increased collaboration to exchange expertise in peace and security efforts.

The South African delegation included Colonel Andrew Amoldus, Defence Attaché at the South African High Commission in Accra; Major General Godfrey Thulare, Chief of Staff, Joint Operations; Kopano Lebelo, Acting Chief, Defence Materiel; and Major General Bonzinkosi Ngcobo, Deputy Chief of Staff, SANDF.

Representing the GAF were Chief Director, Ministry of Defence, Dr Evans Dzikum; Chiefs of the Army, Naval, and Air Staff, Major General Bismarck Kwasi Onwona, Rear Admiral Issah Adam Yakubu, and Air Vice Marshal Frederick Kwasi Asare Bekoe; Chief of Staff, General Headquarters, Major General Joseph Prince Osei-Owusu; Deputy Chief of Staff, Logistics, Rear Admiral Samuel Agyenim-Boateng; and Defence Attaché at Ghana’s High Commission in South Africa, Commodore Samuel Walker.

‍