Omanghana
The Ghana Armed Forces has reaffirmed its readiness to support efforts to restore peace and respond to security threats in the Nkwanta South Municipality of the Oti Region.
The assurance followed the completion of Exercise Starlight Stretch, a three-week internal-security training program designed to improve troops’ operational readiness, tactical skills and response to contemporary security challenges.
According to the Ghana Armed Forces, the exercise ended in Nkwanta on June 19, 2026. It involved practical operations such as patrols, ambush drills, house-clearing procedures, vehicle checkpoints, cordon-and-search operations, drone awareness, intelligence gathering and defensive tactics.
The Commander of the 16 Artillery Brigade, Brigadier General Selorm Kwesi Amengor, said the exercise placed personnel in simulated operational environments to prepare them for real-life security emergencies.
Training covered conventional military tactics, counterinsurgency and internal-security operations. The program also sought to improve coordination among personnel responding to communal violence, organized crime and other emerging threats.
Brigadier General Amengor commended the participating troops for their discipline, resilience and professionalism throughout the exercise. He also acknowledged the contribution of trainers, evaluators, medical teams and administrative personnel.
The training came amid renewed security concerns in Nkwanta South following a deadly attack on the Odomi community on June 18.
Unidentified gunmen reportedly attacked residents in the community, killing three people and injuring nine others. Some of the victims were attacked on their farms, according to initial reports.
The incident heightened fear among residents and intensified concerns about the impact of the prolonged conflict on farming, trade and other economic activities.
Security personnel subsequently increased patrols across Odomi and neighboring communities to prevent further violence and protect lives and property.
Following the attack, the Ministry of the Interior imposed a curfew from 5 p.m. to 6 a.m. across several affected communities. The restriction was later revised and now runs daily from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.
The affected areas include Keri, Abrewanko, Abrewanko Junction, Nyambo, Nyambo Junction, Shari, Kromase, Power, Nyakoma, Odomi, Bonakye and Nkwanta.
A total ban on carrying arms, ammunition and offensive weapons also remains in force. Authorities have warned that anyone found violating the directive will be arrested and prosecuted.
The government has appealed to chiefs, elders, opinion leaders, young people and other residents to exercise restraint and resolve disagreements through dialogue and lawful channels.
Military authorities said the knowledge and tactical experience acquired during Exercise Starlight Stretch would improve the ability of personnel to respond rapidly to threats while working with other security agencies.
Local authorities have also expressed confidence that continued patrols and a visible security presence will help restore calm in the municipality.
However, residents and community leaders have been encouraged to support the security agencies by reporting suspicious activity and avoiding actions that could trigger retaliatory violence.
Authorities maintain that military preparedness must be accompanied by dialogue, community cooperation and long-term conflict-resolution efforts to achieve lasting peace in Nkwanta South.
Source: Omanghana
