Page 65 - Cormorant Issue 20 2017

regiment. To better understand the conceptual component, we were given the opportunity to hear the ongoing work within the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College and the Ko Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre to discuss differing ideas and experiences. The governance theme included audiences with the Minister for Defence, Coordinator for National Security, Chief Director of Finance and Economic Planning, US Ambassador, the local media, and
a Defence reception at the High Commissioner’s Residence – alas without Ferrero Rocher! Finally, during the infrastructure theme we received an overview of the oil exploration work by Tullow Oil (UK), undertook a fascinating visit to the Akosombo Dam which provides hydroelectric power from the third largest man-made lake in the world, and visited a Banana Plantation which included an overview of the challenges involved in providing fresh produce to the export market.
What was Ghana like? From a political perspective, Ghana is one of the few democracies in Africa with
a genuine opportunity to resolve a number of its internal issues such as corruption, sanitation, health, education, and resource exploitation. The newly elected government are taking a strong stance on corruption (a stated deliverable in their manifesto); they also have proposals and development plans
that have strong parallels with the challenges the
UK government are facing (in percentage terms, rather than real nancial). There are also a growing number of articulate and intelligent young of cials and politicians who are keen to see Ghana become
a beacon of stability for West Africa and the wider continent. Economically, their receipts are progressive and have a strong potential for trade; in particular
for oil, gold, and agriculture. The government is also keen to develop its gender equality programme whilst ensuring a balance between tribal Chiefs, national politics, and religious equality. Arguably, Ghana has achieved more in the 60 years since independence than a number of European nations in several centuries. On the military front, they are a small military with civilian leadership. This is akin to the UK’s political-military relationship. This relationship
“
is key to reassuring the Ghanaian government and people of the military’s intentions, given the history
of coups d’etat within the nation. The military’s main focus is on peacekeeping activities with the United Nations where one-third of the armed forces are deployed at a time for one-year tours. There are also strong parallels between Ghanaian and UK defence practices – primarily as a result of British doctrine and training. This is an area that could bene t from further strengthening of the ties and friendship between Ghana and the UK; in particular for maritime security.
In short, Ghana is a fascinating, stable and proud nation which is making real relative progress. The
key challenges for the nation will be to maintain its momentum on economic and social policies for the bene t of future generations. For us as students, this was an excellent opportunity to speak to and begin to comprehend the challenges faced by a broad section of society from ministers to street vendors. A great visit.
PAGE 63
Ghana is a
fascinating, stable and proud
nation which is making real relative
progress.
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