The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General William Agyapong, has said the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) will remain proactive, professional, disciplined and forward-looking in responding to emerging and complex global threats.

He said the character of conflict across the world and within the African sub-region was evolving rapidly, with traditional security threats increasingly intersecting with new and unconventional challenges.

The CDS identified hybrid warfare, violent extremism, cyber vulnerabilities, disinformation, organised transnational crime and growing socio-political pressures as key threats testing the resilience of states and the adaptability of their armed forces.

“Our ability to anticipate, adapt and respond effectively to these evolving threats will determine not only our operational success, but also our continuing relevance as a key pillar of national stability,” he said.

Event

Lt. Gen. Agyapong was speaking at the start of a four-day retreat in Accra yesterday.

The retreat, which is aimed at reviewing GAF operations, refining strategy and reinforcing discipline across the services is on the theme: “Resetting the Ghana Armed Forces: Reviving regimentation to build resilience, foster unity and sustain a professional cohesive force that safeguards sovereignty and supports national development.”

The first two days are being held at Burma Camp in Accra, after which participants would continue with deliberations at Mampong-Akwapim in the Eastern Region for the remaining sessions.

Focus

Lt. Gen. Agyapong further said that the event offered opportunity for the military high command to assess progress and chart a clear path for strengthening the force’s capacity and capabilities.

He also said reviving regimentation at all levels remained central to the discussions, stressing that discipline, adherence to standards and respect for the chain of command were essential for maintaining a professional and effective force.

The CDS added that the discussions would focus on aligning military strategy with national development priorities, including exploring how the GAF could support government initiatives such as the Big Push Agenda and the 24-hour economy.

He explained that through logistics, engineering expertise and civil-military cooperation, the GAF could support national development by ensuring a stable and secure environment.

The CDS further emphasised the need to deepen cooperation among the Army, Navy and Air Force, as well as strengthening collaboration with other security agencies and state institutions to ensure a coordinated national security framework.

He urged participants to prioritise innovation and adaptability, saying technology and information were increasingly shaping modern security operations.

Lt. Gen. Agyapong encouraged participants to engage in frank and solution-driven discussions that would produce practical strategies to enhance discipline, cohesion and operational efficiency.