SECURITY

GAF Command and Staff College Engages Traditional Leaders on Security and Development

A high-powered delegation from the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) Command and Staff College has engaged the Omanhene of the New Juaben Traditional Area, Daasebre Kwaku Boateng III, in a dialogue focused on the intersection of security, governance, and sustainable development.

Date Created : 3/30/2026 : Story Author : Charles Boappia Darko and Collins Aikins Akuffo/Ghanadistricts.com

The courtesy call, which took place on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the palace in Koforidua, formed part of an academic tour for the institution’s Junior Staff Course 85. It aimed to expose military officers to Ghana’s traditional governance systems and explore their role in national stability.

The delegation, led by Brigadier General Ebenezer Mark Alo, comprised 105 officers and students, including military personnel from neighbouring West African nations such as The Gambia, Niger, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso — highlighting the regional scope of the training.

A Meeting of Minds on Governance

The visit was themed “Environmental and Socio-Economic Threats, Insecurity and Sustainable Development in the Eastern Region.” The delegation was joined by the Municipal Coordinating Director for New Juaben South, Mr. Edward Abazing, along with key technocrats from the Assembly.

During the engagement, Brigadier General Alo explained that the visit was designed to deepen the officers’ understanding of chieftaincy as a vital pillar of governance.

“While the military plays a crucial role in safeguarding national security, traditional authorities remain central to community leadership, conflict resolution, and the preservation of cultural heritage,” Brigadier General Alo stated.

Interactive Dialogue on Tradition and Modernity

The session evolved into an interactive dialogue, with officers posing questions on the structure of chieftaincy, succession processes, dispute resolution, and the relationship between traditional authorities and local government.In his response, Daasebre Kwaku Boateng III emphasised that chieftaincy in Ghana is not merely ceremonial but serves as a critical governance system that complements modern political structures.

He detailed how chiefs contribute to maintaining social order, mediating conflicts, and mobilising communities for development initiatives, and stressed the importance of collaboration between traditional leaders and state institutions.

“Such partnerships are essential for sustaining peace and promoting national cohesion, especially in times of crisis,” the Omanhene noted.

Fostering Cross-Sectoral Collaboration

Mr. Edward Abazing, who represented the local Assembly, commended the GAF Command and Staff College for incorporating traditional governance studies into their training, noting that the interaction would foster mutual understanding and strengthen cooperation between civil authorities, traditional leaders, and the military.

To conclude the formal engagement, Brigadier General Alo presented a commemorative plaque and a military training outfit to Daasebre Kwaku Boateng III as a token of appreciation. The Omanhene accepted the gifts and reiterated his commitment to supporting initiatives that promote education, leadership, and national unity.

The visit concluded with a group photograph and informal interactions and was widely regarded as a successful exchange of knowledge — reinforcing the relevance of chieftaincy institutions in contemporary governance and regional security cooperation.