Accra, Ghana – A three-member delegation from the Swiss Armed Forces (SAF) met with Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) officials at Burma Camp on Friday, May 22, 2026, to explore enhanced cooperation in peacekeeping operations and military training. The high-level engagement aimed to leverage Ghana’s extensive experience in international peace support to foster mutual interests between the two nations’ militaries.
Ghana’s Peacekeeping Prowess Highlighted
During the meeting, GAF representatives provided a comprehensive overview of Ghana’s significant contributions to global peace. This included detailed briefings on the nation’s long history of participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions and deployments under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The discussion also covered current operational priorities and emerging engagement areas within the broader framework of global peace support. Brigadier General Fuseini Salifu, Director General of the Directorate of Internal Peace Support Operations (IPSO), led the presentation.
Brigadier General Salifu emphasized the professionalism, discipline, and operational readiness of Ghanaian troops deployed in various challenging mission environments. He lauded the Swiss Armed Forces for their ongoing support to the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC).
“Such partnerships have significantly contributed to strengthening Ghana’s peacekeeping capacity over the years,” Brig Gen Salifu stated. He expressed optimism that the current engagement would lead to expanded military cooperation, particularly in specialized training and capacity-building initiatives designed to boost operational effectiveness.
Swiss Commitment and Future Opportunities
Representing the Swiss delegation, Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Luedin, Swiss Course Commander, expressed gratitude for the thorough briefing from the GAF leadership. He reaffirmed Switzerland’s dedication to supporting the Ghana Armed Forces.
Lt Col Luedin indicated that the SAF intends to increase opportunities for Ghanaian personnel to participate in technical training programs. These opportunities would focus on areas where additional capacity enhancement is deemed necessary.
He underscored the critical importance of sustained collaboration in peacekeeping training and knowledge exchange. “This is essential to strengthening international peace support operations,” Lt Col Luedin remarked.
Key Officials Present
The meeting facilitated by the Directorate of Internal Peace Support Operations (IPSO) at Burma Camp saw the attendance of senior officials from both military organizations. The Swiss delegation included Mr. Alan McGarrity, Acting Head of Regional Military Cooperation, and Colonel Michael Freudweiler, Deputy Commander of the Swiss International Command.
Ghana Armed Forces representatives present included Colonel Owusu-Brobbey, Deputy Director of IPSO, and Colonel James Sabia, Director of International Peace Support and Plans. The discussions signal a growing commitment from both nations to bolster international peace and security efforts through collaborative training and experience sharing.
Looking Ahead
This exchange highlights a strategic alignment between Ghana and Switzerland in addressing global security challenges. The focus on specialized training and capacity building suggests a future where Ghanaian peacekeepers may benefit from Swiss expertise in specific technical domains, potentially enhancing their effectiveness in complex international missions. Observers will be watching for the implementation of increased training opportunities and the potential for joint exercises or further collaborative initiatives in the coming years.
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