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Ghana Armed Forces, US Army launch first strategic communication workshop

By Capt. Billy LacroixFebruary 4, 2025

Ghana Armed Forces, US Army launch first strategic communication workshop
Members of the Ghana Armed Forces and U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) personnel pose for a group photo outside the Dohazari Auditorium in Accra, Ghana, on Jan. 31, 2025. The exchange signifies the ongoing partnership and collaboration between the two forces, aimed at enhancing military cooperation and joint operations.(Photo courtesy of Ghana Armed Forces) (Photo Credit: Courtesy) VIEW ORIGINAL
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ACCRA, Ghana – The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), strengthened their partnership through a strategic communication and information warfare exchange at Burma Camp, Ghana, Jan. 28-31.

The military exchange, part of a broader initiative to promote peace through strength, aimed to enhance both forces’ ability to navigate modern warfare, where information plays a critical role in operational success.

“Working alongside the GAF this week is a unique and rewarding experience, as it fosters a deep sense of camaraderie and mutual respect," said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Kevin Ong, SETAF-AF.

"It’s not just about sharing tactics or best practices; it’s about learning from each other’s strengths and building lasting partnerships that transcend borders."

Ghana Armed Forces, US Army launch first strategic communication workshop
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Kevin Ong, left, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), sits with Ghana Armed Forces Brig. Gen. Eric Aggrey-Quashie, director general at the Department of Public Relations, and U.S. Army Maj. Tyler Claus, SETAF-AF, during the opening ceremony at Dohazari Auditorium in Accra, Ghana, Jan 31, 2025. The exchange signifies the ongoing partnership and collaboration between the two forces, aimed at enhancing military cooperation and joint operations. (Photo courtesy of Ghana Armed Forces) (Photo Credit: Courtesy) VIEW ORIGINAL

The exchange featured workshops and seminars on information operations, psychological operations and public affairs in both conflict and peacetime. Participants discussed techniques for countering misinformation, engaging with local communities and ensuring transparency to maintain public trust.

The exchange also focused on capacity building, equipping forces with the skills needed to operate effectively in information warfare scenarios.

GAF Brig. Gen. Eric Aggrey-Quashie, the director general at the Department of Public Relations, urged participants to take advantage of the exchange to enhance their technical and critical thinking skills in public relations and influence their awareness of managing and disseminating information to the public.

Ghana Armed Forces, US Army launch first strategic communication workshop
Ghana Armed Forces Brig. Gen.l Eric Aggrey-Quashie, director general at the Department of Public Relations, gives opening remarks during the opening ceremony at Dohazari Auditorium in Accra, Ghana, Jan. 31, 2025. The exchange signifies the ongoing partnership and collaboration between the two forces, aimed at enhancing military cooperation and joint operations.(Photo courtesy of Ghana Armed Forces) (Photo Credit: Courtesy) VIEW ORIGINAL

During the exchange, participants discussed past information operations, crisis communication simulations as well as integrating these lessons into daily military practices. Both sides emphasized the need to evolve military training to address unconventional threats, aligning with the philosophy of peace through strength.

The concept of peace through strength was a key theme throughout the engagement. Leaders from both nations agreed that a strong, well-informed military presence could deter aggression while promoting stability.

“Information warfare is an evolving battlefield, and our ability to control the narrative can shape the outcome of conflicts before they even begin,” said U.S. Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Kara Obrien, a team leader assigned to 321st Tactical Psychological Company, 13th Psychological Operations Battalion, 2nd Psychological Operations Group.

“This exchange reinforces the importance of proactive communication strategies in maintaining stability and deterring misinformation.”

Ghana Armed Forces, US Army launch first strategic communication workshop
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Kara Obrien, a team leader assigned to the U.S Army Reserve 321st Tactical Psychological Company, 13th Psychological Operations Battalion, 2nd Psychological Operations Group, discusses best practices for key leader engagements at Dohazari Auditorium in Accra, Ghana, Jan. 31, 2025. The exchange signifies the ongoing partnership and collaboration between the two forces, aimed at enhancing military cooperation and joint operations. (Photo courtesy of Ghana Armed Forces) (Photo Credit: Courtesy) VIEW ORIGINAL

This collaboration between GAF and SETAF-AF highlights a shared commitment to enhancing military readiness while fostering stability through strategic communication and capacity building. As modern conflicts increasingly revolve around the control and dissemination of information, initiatives like this play a pivotal role in maintaining peace and security.

About SETAF-AF

SETAF-AF prepares Army forces, executes crisis response, enables strategic competition, and strengthens partners to achieve U.S. Army Europe and Africa and U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives.

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