Story: Warrant Officer Class 1 Amoah Noel King

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The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), in collaboration with the United States Africa Command (US AFRICOM), has commenced the 2026 West Africa Religious Affairs Symposium (WARAS) at the Ghana Air Force Aviation College (GHAFAC).

The three-day symposium, held from 14 to 16 July 2026, brought together military chaplains, senior military officers and religious affairs representatives from across West Africa and the United States to strengthen regional cooperation in military chaplaincy and promote professional excellence in religious support services.

The symposium seeks to foster collaboration among participating nations, enhance the professional capacity of military chaplains, facilitate the exchange of best practices and equip participants with the knowledge and skills required to provide effective spiritual and moral support to military personnel operating in increasingly complex security environments.

Delivering the keynote address, the Principal General Staff Officer at the Ministry of Defence and Special Guest of Honour, Air Commodore Thomas Niifio Okai, highlighted the shared commitment of participating nations to peace, security and the spiritual well-being of service personnel.

He noted that the symposium presents a valuable platform for participants to exchange experiences, strengthen professional relationships and explore innovative approaches to military religious support. He further stated that such engagements are essential to building resilient armed forces capable of addressing contemporary security challenges.

Speaking on the theme, "Strengthening Religious Partnership to Enhance Chaplaincy Professionalism in West African Armed Forces," Air Commodore Okai described it as both timely and relevant, emphasising that today's security environment demands not only military preparedness but also strong moral and spiritual leadership founded on cooperation, mutual respect and shared values.

He underscored the indispensable role of military chaplains as counsellors, mentors and sources of hope to personnel during both peace and conflict, adding that stronger partnerships among religious affairs institutions would enhance professional standards and improve support for service members across the region.

Air Commodore Okai commended the Department of Religious Affairs, US AFRICOM and all stakeholders whose efforts made the symposium possible. He expressed confidence that the engagements would deepen professional relationships, promote mutual understanding and contribute to enduring peace and security within the West African sub-region.

In his remarks, the United States Africa Command Chaplain, Colonel Kelvin Forrester, expressed appreciation to the Ghana Armed Forces and the Department of Religious Affairs for hosting the symposium. He reaffirmed US AFRICOM's commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Ghana Armed Forces and other regional partners through sustained professional engagements that promote peace, stability and security across West Africa.