A high-intensity and well-coordinated counter-terrorism simulation exercise was conducted at Laboma Beach in Accra.
It showcased the operational readiness and interoperability of Ghanaian and U.S. forces as part of the ongoing African Land Forces Summit (ALFS) 2025.
The exercise, codenamed Operation Steel Wave, simulated a high-stakes response to a terrorist threat targeting the summit, which has brought together around 300 military personnel from 40 nations to deliberate on improving land force capabilities in Africa.
This year’s ALFS is co-hosted by the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and the United States Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), on the theme: “Optimizing Land Forces for the Emerging Security Environment.”
The simulation unfolded as elite units stormed a mock terrorist base allegedly established by the fictitious group Sons of Muzan, who were depicted as plotting a large-scale suicide attack on the summit.
Intelligence in the simulation pointed to a notorious arms dealer and terrorist commander, “General Mugu,” operating from the Labadi Beach area, where explosives were being prepared and hostages held.
Troops from the Army, Navy, and Air Force executed a complex joint operation involving aerial insertion, amphibious assault, sniper overwatch, and drone surveillance.
The beachside exercise featured high-speed naval maneuvers, precision air drops, ground assault, hostage rescue operations, and the arrest of simulated high-value targets.
However, early morning rains partially disrupted the sequence of events, affecting some aspects of the terrain-based maneuvers.
Despite the weather challenge, the forces demonstrated adaptability, recalibrating the exercise in real-time and proceeding with a successful execution.
Brigadier General Nicholas Paintsil, Commander, Army Special Operations Brigade, Ghana Armed Forces, provided a detailed narration of the operation during the demonstration.
He emphasized the four-phase mission structure — covert infiltration and reconnaissance, isolation of the objective, assault and hostage rescue, and final withdrawal with site exploitation.
The forces demonstrated the full spectrum of a coordinated response to an evolving terrorist threat.
Brig Gen Paintsil said the demonstration showed how swiftly and effectively the forces could operate in joint environments, using land, air, and sea assets in sync to neutralize threats and save lives.
Operation Steel Wave was designed not only as a military drill but also as a message of deterrence to would-be adversaries.
The exercise, he said, demonstrates the importance of preparedness, partnership, and precision in counter-terrorism efforts.
Ghana, he further stated, remained committed to contributing to regional and global peace and security.
Spectators at the demonstration included senior military leaders from across Africa, U.S. and NATO partner nations, and diplomatic corps representatives.
Earlier at the opening of the summit, the U.S.
Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia E. Palmer, had lauded the professionalism and cooperation between the allied forces.
The African Land Forces Summit, which runs until April 10, continues to facilitate military-to-military dialogue, strengthen strategic partnerships, and foster regional cooperation to address shared challenges such as violent extremism, cross-border threats, and humanitarian crises.
GNA
