Soldier dies in Binduri explosion during anti-terror training exercise

The Chief of Army Staff, Major General Lawrence Kwaku Gbetanu, has confirmed the death of a soldier during a counter-terrorism training exercise at Binduri in the Upper East Region. 

The soldier, identified as 218079 Private Adotey of the Sixth Infantry Battalion, reportedly died following an explosion during operations in the Binduri Forest area. 

The incident occurred during “Exercise Storm Shield,” a counter-terrorism training programme organised to enhance the preparedness and operational capabilities of security personnel in responding to emerging security threats, particularly within vulnerable border communities. 

Addressing personnel at the closing ceremony of the exercise, Major General Gbetanu described the incident as unfortunate and noted that military service came with occupational risks and hazards. 

He said despite the successful conduct of the exercise, the Ghana Armed Forces had suffered the painful loss of a committed soldier who died in the line of duty. 

“It was an unfortunate incident that eventually led to the death of 218079 Private Adotey, a physical training instructor at the 6th Infantry Battalion,” he stated. 

The Army Chief expressed condolences to the bereaved family, colleagues of the deceased and the entire Ghana Armed Forces. 

He requested personnel to observe a minute’s silence in honour of the fallen soldier and reaffirmed the commitment of the Ghana Armed Forces to maintaining national peace and security amid growing security concerns within the sub-region. 

Major General Gbetanu assured the public that investigations into the circumstances surrounding the explosion were ongoing. 

Exercise Storm Shield forms part of ongoing efforts by the Ghana Armed Forces to strengthen counter-terrorism operations and improve security preparedness in the country’s northern border communities following increasing extremist activities in parts of the West African sub-region. 

Source: GNA