The Chief of the Army Staff of the Ghana Armed Forces, Major General Lawrence Kwaku Gbetanu, has paid a significant visit to the Western North Region, where he held a high-level security meeting with the Regional Minister, Wilbert Petty Brentum, at the Regional Coordinating Council in Sefwi Wiawso.
The engagement focused on key security concerns and developmental strategies for the region, including the decentralization of military recruitment, the proposed establishment of a military base, and efforts to combat illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
In an official statement following the meeting, Regional Minister Brentum described the visit as an “honour,” adding that it marks a crucial step toward strengthening the security infrastructure of the region and deepening the collaboration between the military and the Regional Administration.
A key announcement from the Army Chief was the decision to decentralize the recruitment process of the Ghana Armed Forces. Under this new arrangement, qualified applicants in the Western North Region will no longer need to travel to distant locations to undergo recruitment.
Instead, the process will be conducted locally, making it more accessible to the youth in the region and removing financial and logistical barriers.
The discussion also touched on the possibility of establishing a military base in the Western North Region. Both leaders acknowledged that this would significantly bolster the region’s capacity to deal with rising security threats, particularly the environmental and socio-economic damage caused by illegal mining activities.
Major General Gbetanu assured the minister of the full backing of the Ghana Army in safeguarding the region’s lands, forests, and water bodies.
In a symbolic gesture of appreciation, Major General Gbetanu presented Minister Brentum with a commemorative plaque and a ceremonial stole, recognizing his commitment to regional security and good governance.
The Regional Minister expressed heartfelt gratitude and reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to peace, development, and the safety of the people.
“This collaboration marks another bold step in our shared mission to protect our region, uphold the rule of law, and ensure sustainable development,” he said.
The outcomes of the meeting are expected to translate into tangible developments in the coming months, including the operationalization of localized recruitment and further progress on establishing the military base.
