French Embassy Ghana: CTU Counter-Terrorism Training Boosts Police Capacity

• The French Embassy in Ghana conducted a two-week intensive counter-terrorism training for the Ghana Police Service's Counter Terrorism Unit.
• The workshop aimed to strengthen Ghana's response capabilities and equip officers with modern operational skills to address regional threats.
• This initiative is part of ongoing security cooperation between France and Ghana, focusing on enhancing anti-terrorism capacity building.
• Ghanaian officials, including DCOP Raymond Ali Adofiem, expressed gratitude for France's sustained support to the security sector.
• Trainees presented traditional Ghanaian gifts to French facilitators, symbolizing friendship, while DCOP Adofiem stressed continuous training beyond certification.

This intensive program was designed to bolster the effectiveness of the CTU in critical counter-terrorism operations, enhancing Ghana's overall preparedness against evolving security challenges in the West African sub-region.

The French Embassy in Ghana recently concluded a two-week intensive workshop, providing specialized counter-terrorism training to personnel from the Ghana Police Service's Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU). This initiative, which took place on September 26, 2026, aimed to significantly strengthen Ghana's capacity for responding to terrorist threats and bolster the operational skills of its law enforcement officers.

The comprehensive program focused on equipping CTU personnel with modern counter-terrorism operational skills. Participants engaged in rigorous tactical and operational training sessions, specifically designed to enhance their effectiveness in critical counter-terrorism operations. The overarching goal was to improve Ghana's preparedness against the evolving security challenges prevalent across the West African sub-region.

This specialized training forms an integral part of the ongoing security cooperation between France and Ghana, underscoring a shared commitment to regional stability. The collaboration highlights a sustained effort in Ghana anti-terrorism capacity building, recognizing the importance of a well-trained and equipped police force in combating transnational threats.

Ghanaian officials expressed profound gratitude for the consistent support from the French government in bolstering the nation's security sector. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Raymond Ali Adofiem, who serves as the Director-General of Special Duties, specifically acknowledged the contributions of the Government of France, its Embassy, and the facilitating team for their role in sustaining this vital partnership with counter-terrorism departments and their instructors.

Addressing the graduands at the closing ceremony, DCOP Raymond Ali Adofiem delivered a crucial message, cautioning the officers against complacency. He stressed that genuine competence extends far beyond merely receiving a certificate, urging them to embrace a mindset of perpetual learning and readiness. His advice included a call to continue training, practicing, rehearsing, and sharing acquired knowledge, alongside maintaining physical fitness, equipment, and discipline. He emphasized the critical importance of not waiting for an emergency to assess their preparedness.

DCOP Adofiem further encouraged the officers to internalize the knowledge, discipline, and responsibility gained from the French Embassy Ghana CTU counter-terrorism training, and to apply these principles to improve their respective teams. In a gesture symbolizing gratitude and the strong friendship between the two nations, the trainees presented traditional Ghanaian smocks, known as fugu, and caps to the French officials who facilitated the workshop. Officials present at the ceremony lauded the training as a success, commending the officers for their exemplary discipline and commitment throughout the program.

The successful completion of this intensive program marks a significant step forward in Ghana's efforts to fortify its national security infrastructure. By enhancing the capabilities of the Ghana Police Counter Terrorism Unit, the initiative directly contributes to a more robust and agile response mechanism against potential threats. This proactive approach is crucial for maintaining peace and stability within Ghana and contributes positively to broader West Africa counter-terrorism operations.

This intensive program was designed to bolster the effectiveness of the CTU in critical counter-terrorism operations, enhancing Ghana's overall preparedness against evolving security challenges in the West African sub-region. The ongoing France Ghana security cooperation, exemplified by such training initiatives, is vital for regional security, fostering a collective front against terrorism and ensuring that security forces are well-equipped to protect their populations.

This news reports on an operational training initiative and does not introduce new legal obligations, regulatory changes, or precedents that would require immediate action or specific advice from lawyers or compliance officers. It serves as a general update on Ghana's security capabilities.

Source: Original reporting via Carbonatix