Page 64 - Cormorant Issue 20 2017

PAGE 62
RSE2 – Ways Visit to Ghana
Wg Cdr Gareth Roberts
24 MEMBERS OF THE Ways module were fortunate enough to visit Ghana for Regional Security Exercise 2 in late May 2017. The
purpose of the visit was to explore the Diplomatic, Military and Economic issues currently affecting Ghana from differing
viewpoints; in particular, the Ghanaian Government, the UK and international partners. The visit also involved activities to facilitate a
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wider understanding of Ghanaian culture and history to allow us a better understanding of the country and region as part of the Defence Engagement phase of the module.
The visit began with an overview of the colonial history and key sights of the capital, Accra, including James Fort (built by the British as a trading post in 1673), and the nal resting place of Kwame Nkrumah (the rst president of Ghana and the leader of the political party that gained independence of the Gold Coast from the UK). Thereafter, we were fortunate enough to meet a number of high-ranking politicians,
of cials, and military of cers who provided an overview of their responsibilities, and the challenges they face. These sessions were broadly themed as defence, governance, or infrastructure.
As part of the defence theme, we received an audience with the British High Commissioner
where we sought to better understand the UK- Ghana relationship, UK priorities, opportunities and challenges. Subsequently, we received an audience with the Chief of the Ghanaian Defence Force which included a Counter Terrorism demonstration and
a static display of the equipment of the armoured
The visit
began with an overview
of the colonial
history...
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