The Southern Command has emerged winner of the Ghana Army’s Exercise Thunderbolt shooting competition held at the Yawhima Military Shooting Range in Sunyani, Bono Region.
The competition, which ended on Thursday, October 1, was organised to select a qualified team for the upcoming Exercise Fire Blast.
The event brought together various commands and formations of the Ghana Army, including the Northern Command, Central Command, Support Services Command, Army Special Operations Brigade, 15 Armoured Brigade, 17 Army Signals Brigade, 16 Artillery Brigade and 14 Engineer Brigade.
The Support Services Command placed second in the competition.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Commander of the 15 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Mark Alo, commended participants for demonstrating discipline, teamwork and professionalism throughout the competition.
He urged personnel to maintain high standards during weapons training exercises, while stressing the importance of investing in the training of junior ranks, whom he described as the future strength of the Ghana Army.
Brigadier General Alo also congratulated the individual award winners and encouraged other competitors to draw inspiration from their marksmanship skills and strive to improve their performance.
Warrant Officer Class One (WO1) Koli Emmanuel was adjudged the Best Male Firer, while Lance Bombardier (L/Bdr) Acheaw Francisca was named the Overall Best Female Firer.
The participating commands and formations competed in four shooting disciplines: M16 standard rifle, M16 carbine, pistol and falling plates.
Exercise Thunderbolt is aimed at enhancing the shooting skills, combat readiness, discipline and operational effectiveness of personnel of the Ghana Army ahead of future military engagements and competitions.

