The French Embassy in Ghana has trained personnel of the Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) of the Ghana Police Service in a two-week intensive workshop aimed at strengthening Ghana’s counter-terrorism response. This initiative is part of ongoing security cooperation between France and Ghana. The training focused on building the capacity of CTU personnel by equipping officers with modern counter-terrorism operational skills. The goal is to improve preparedness against evolving threats in the West African sub-region. The training was conducted in September 2026.
The two-week workshop provided participants with intensive tactical and operational training designed to strengthen their effectiveness in counter-terrorism operations. The training was facilitated by French officials who shared their expertise with the Ghanaian officers. The program aimed to enhance the skills and knowledge of the CTU personnel, enabling them to respond effectively to terrorism threats. The training covered various aspects of counter-terrorism operations, including tactical procedures and operational strategies.
At the closing ceremony, Director-General of Special Duties, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Raymond Ali Adofiem, addressed the graduands, cautioning them against complacency. He emphasized that true competence goes beyond certification, stressing the importance of continuous training and practice. DCOP Adofiem encouraged the officers to maintain their fitness, equipment, and discipline, and to share their knowledge with their teams. He also expressed gratitude to the French government for its sustained support to Ghana’s security sector.
The trainees expressed their appreciation for the support provided by the French Embassy. They presented traditional smocks, known as fugu, and caps to the French officials who facilitated the training. This gesture, rooted in Ghanaian culture, symbolized gratitude and friendship between the two countries. The ceremony was attended by officials from the Ghana Police Service and the French Embassy, who described the training as successful, citing the discipline and commitment demonstrated by the officers throughout the program.
The training program was a significant initiative aimed at enhancing Ghana’s counter-terrorism capabilities. The partnership between the French Embassy and the Ghana Police Service reflects the commitment of both countries to cooperate on security issues. The training program is part of a broader effort to strengthen security cooperation between France and Ghana. The initiative demonstrates the importance of international collaboration in addressing common security challenges.
The Ghana Police Service has been working to enhance its counter-terrorism capabilities in response to evolving threats in the West African sub-region. The CTU personnel play a critical role in this effort, and the training provided by the French Embassy is expected to enhance their effectiveness. The training program is also expected to contribute to the development of a more robust security framework in Ghana.
The partnership between the French Embassy and the Ghana Police Service is expected to continue, with both countries committed to cooperating on security issues. The training program is a testament to the strong bilateral relations between France and Ghana. Key aspects of the training included tactical procedures, operational strategies, and teamwork.
Key points
- The French Embassy trained Ghana Police CTU personnel in a two-week intensive workshop on counter-terrorism operations.
- The training aimed to strengthen Ghana’s counter-terrorism response and improve preparedness against evolving threats.
- The program was part of ongoing security cooperation between France and Ghana.