Ghana's Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, has urged participating African land forces to prioritize the development of effective strategies to combat the growing threats of cybersecurity and terrorism within the subregion. His call to action was made during the African Land Forces Summit held in Accra on April 7, 2025.
Dr. Omane Boamah expressed his concern regarding the persistent security challenges faced by African armed forces, emphasizing the urgent need for senior military officers to collaborate and devise sustainable solutions to these evolving threats. He reaffirmed the Ghanaian government's unwavering commitment to providing the necessary support to the country's armed forces in their ongoing efforts to counter security threats.
Adding her voice to the discussion, the U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, highlighted the critical importance of African nations adapting and strengthening their armed forces to effectively confront the emerging threats that undermine regional stability and impede progress.
The African Land Forces Summit serves as a crucial platform with the primary objective of fostering stronger partnerships and collaborations across the African continent. The overarching aim is to enhance both regional and continent-wide security through shared knowledge and coordinated efforts.
This year's summit in Accra has brought together representatives from an impressive 40 nations, comprising approximately 300 personnel. The theme for this year's gathering is "Optimizing Land Forces for the Emerging Security Environment," reflecting the need for proactive adaptation in the face of evolving security landscapes.
The summit is a collaborative effort, co-hosted by the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), and the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF). The list of previous host nations underscores the pan-African significance of this annual event, having been held in the U.S. (2010 & 2022), Uganda (2012), Senegal (2015), Tanzania (2016), Malawi (2017), Nigeria (2018), Botswana (2019), Ethiopia (2020), Côte d’Ivoire (2023), and Zambia (2024).
Major General Andrew C. Gainey, Commanding General of SETAF-AF, emphasized the unique opportunity the summit provides. "This year’s summit offers senior land force leaders from African nations the chance to build relationships, exchange insights, and collaborate on tackling shared security challenges," he stated. He also expressed his gratitude to the Ghana Armed Forces, saying, "I thank the Ghana Armed Forces for their excellent partnership in hosting this important event, setting the stage for a successful summit."
U.S. Ambassador Virginia E. Palmer further stressed the urgency of bolstering African armed forces in the face of destabilizing threats such as violent extremism, which not only endanger regional stability but also impede economic prosperity. "Ghana remains a key model of democracy and an exporter of security. The United States is proud to co-host this summit, which is crucial for addressing these emerging security challenges," she affirmed.
The African Land Forces Summit is increasingly recognized as a vital forum for cultivating innovative solutions to the complex and shared security challenges facing the continent. By fostering stronger relationships and facilitating the exchange of expertise, the summit aims to strengthen cooperation among African land forces and their international partners in pursuit of a more secure and stable future for the continent.
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