Ghana Armed Forces Hosts West Africa Religious Affairs Symposium
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), in collaboration with the United States Africa Command (US AFRICOM), has opened the 2026 West Africa Religious Affairs Symposium (WARAS) at the Ghana Air Force Aviation College (GHAFAC), reaffirming its commitment to strengthening military chaplaincy and promoting regional security cooperation.
The three-day symposium, being held from July 14 to 16, has brought together military chaplains, senior military officers and religious affairs representatives from across West Africa and the United States to enhance collaboration, share best practices and improve the delivery of religious support services within the armed forces.
The forum is designed to strengthen partnerships among participating countries, build the professional capacity of military chaplains and equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to provide effective spiritual, moral and emotional support to military personnel serving in increasingly complex operational environments.
Delivering his address, the Principal General Staff Officer at the Ministry of Defence and Special Guest of Honour, Air Commodore Thomas Niifio Okai, said the symposium demonstrated the collective commitment of participating nations to advancing peace, security and the welfare of military personnel.
He stated that the gathering offered an important platform for military chaplains and religious affairs professionals to exchange experiences, strengthen professional networks and explore innovative approaches to religious support within the armed forces.
According to Air Commodore Okai, such engagements are essential to building resilient and mission-ready armed forces capable of responding effectively to evolving security threats.
Speaking on the symposium’s theme, “Strengthening Religious Partnership to Enhance Chaplaincy Professionalism in West African Armed Forces,” he described it as timely, stressing that modern security challenges require not only operational readiness but also strong moral and spiritual leadership anchored in cooperation, mutual respect and shared values.
He emphasised that military chaplains remain indispensable to the armed forces, serving as counsellors, mentors and sources of hope to personnel during both peacekeeping operations and times of conflict. Strengthening partnerships among religious affairs institutions, he added, would raise professional standards and improve the quality of care provided to service personnel across the sub-region.
Air Commodore Okai commended the Department of Religious Affairs of the Ghana Armed Forces, US AFRICOM and all partners whose collaborative efforts made the symposium possible. He expressed confidence that the deliberations would deepen professional relationships, foster mutual understanding and contribute to sustainable peace and security in West Africa.
The United States Africa Command Chaplain, Colonel Kelvin Forrester, expressed appreciation to the Ghana Armed Forces and its Department of Religious Affairs for hosting the symposium. He emphasized US AFRICOM’s commitment to deepening its longstanding partnership with the Ghana Armed Forces and other regional allies through continuous professional engagements aimed at promoting peace, stability, and security across West Africa.
The West Africa Religious Affairs Symposium forms part of ongoing efforts by the Ghana Armed Forces and its international partners to strengthen military chaplaincy, enhance interfaith cooperation and build a resilient security architecture capable of addressing emerging challenges in the region.
Mary Olivia Cobblah, ISD
