They are 40 African countries, the United States of America (USA), and 10 European countries.

The week-long summit that is on the theme: “Optimising Land Forces for the Emerging Security Environment”, will discuss cross-border security, professional military education, military technology, misinformation and disinformation.

This year’s ALFS aims to foster dia­logue, collaboration, and strategic planning among African military leaders and their international partners.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Minister of Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, expressed his gratitude for the collaboration between the Ghana Army and the United States Army through the Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF).

He stated that, Ghana cherished the strong bond of friendship and coopera­tion between the US and Ghana.

“As a country, we seek to deepen that relationship as well as similar ones with other friendly countries for our mutual benefit,” Dr Boamah said.

The minister highlighted the pressing need for collaborative efforts to address modern defense and security challenges.

“The threat of violent extremism and terrorism necessitates a multi-faceted approach, bringing together experts from various fields, including defense, academia, and industry,” Dr Boamah said.

He said by working together, it was possible for countries to find effective and sustainable solutions to complex issues.

The United States Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, highlighted the need to strengthen the security goals and threats within the African continent.

She stated that, by working side by side to “confront our shared challenges, we can make the continent more secure, peaceful, and prosperous.”

Ms Palmer commended the Ghana Army, emphasising on Ghana’s role as a top contributor to United Nations Peace­keeping Operations, demonstrated by over 2,700 Ghanaian military and police personnel deployed to U.N. operations in the Middle East and Africa, to promote stability and peace in some of the most volatile regions in the world.

“Ghana has been a leader for a long time in regional security and an exporter of peace beyond its borders,” she added.

Ms Palmer said that the summit would offer opportunity for participants to discuss and optimise land forces for the emerging security environment in Africa.

“It is critical that we adapt and strength­en our armed forces to confront the evolving threats that seek to undermine and destabilise the region,” she noted.

The Commanding General of SE­TAF-AF, Major General Andrew C. Gainey, noted that the ALFS was essential to indentifying innovative solutions to address shared security challenges.

“I want to extend my thanks to our co-hosts, the Ghana Armed Forces, for their exceptional partnership. They have set the stage for a successful summit, and I look forward to a productive and impactful week with all our guests,” he said.