North Dakota National Guard Delegation Visits Ghana Army Headquarters to Deepen 22-Year Strategic Partnership

​A high-level delegation from the North Dakota National Guard, led by Adjutant General Brigadier General Mitchell Johnson, paid a courtesy call on the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), Major General Lawrence Kwaku Gbetanu, at the Army Headquarters on Thursday, September 17, 2026. Accompanied by staff members from the US Embassy, the delegation’s visit aimed to strengthen the long-standing 22-year State Partnership Programme between the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and the North Dakota National Guard. Discussions focused on enhancing military cooperation across key operational domains, including engineering, intelligence, emergency management, chaplaincy, non-commissioned officer development, and counter-IED operations.

​Welcoming the delegation on behalf of the Military High Command, Major General Gbetanu expressed deep appreciation for the enduring bond between both institutions and expressed confidence that the meeting would further consolidate their shared military objectives. The COAS also acknowledged the exceptional hospitality extended to Ghanaian officials during a recent delegation visit to North Dakota, describing that engagement as highly informative, successful, and mutually beneficial to both nations.

​As part of the engagement, the Chief G3 (Operations) at the Army Headquarters, Colonel Richard Amedeka, delivered a detailed briefing titled “Army’s Role in Disaster Management in Coordination with the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO).” The presentation offered the U.S. delegation valuable insights into Ghana's disaster response architecture, highlighting the Army's operational role alongside civilian agencies, current challenges, and dynamic measures being implemented to enhance emergency response capabilities nationwide.

​Expressing gratitude for the warm reception and the informative briefing, Brigadier General Johnson revealed that Ghana will be a primary focus of the partnership in 2027, highlighting plans for a major, large-scale emergency management exercise. He noted that because both Ghana and North Dakota face complex emergencies requiring swift action, the upcoming exercise will bring together military, police, fire services, and other key agencies to foster inter-agency synergy, build robust joint capabilities, and protect vulnerable populations during crises.

Credit: Ghana Army