Chief of Air Staff Calls for Expanded Ghana-Zambia Defence Cooperation
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal Eric Agyen-Frempong, has called for stronger and more structured military cooperation between Ghana and Zambia, with emphasis on joint exercises, training, technical cooperation and information sharing.
He made the call when he hosted the newly appointed Zambian Defence Attaché to Ghana, Colonel Brian Kandiwa Moyo, on Wednesday in Accra.
The meeting, which served as the official introduction of Colonel Moyo, also provided an opportunity for the two sides to reaffirm the longstanding defence relationship between the two countries and explore avenues for deepening cooperation between their armed forces.
Speaking during the meeting, Air Vice Marshal Agyen-Frempong congratulated him on his appointment and expressed confidence in his ability to contribute to further strengthening the bilateral military relationship.
The CAS also commended the outgoing Zambian Defence Attaché, Brigadier General Wendaogyo, for his five-year tenure, describing his contribution and dedication as significant to the development of defence cooperation between the two-armed forces.
Air Vice Marshal Agyen-Frempong said the Ghana Air Force was focused on developing a highly capable, responsive and future-ready force, supported by targeted infrastructure development and sustained capacity-building.
He cited existing operational partnerships, including the Mi-17 simulator training programmes, as examples of practical military cooperation that had created opportunities for knowledge and skills transfer between the two countries.
The CAS further highlighted the role of the Ghana Air Force Command and Staff College (GAFCSC) in the professional development of Zambian military personnel.
He reaffirmed the Ghana Air Force’s readiness to expand bilateral training exchanges, noting that increased professional and institutional engagements could contribute to enhancing the competence and operational readiness of personnel from both countries.
Air Vice Marshal Agyen-Frempong proposed several areas for expanded cooperation, including joint military exercises, enhanced technical and logistical collaboration, and greater information sharing in areas such as air domain awareness and disaster response.
He said closer cooperation in these areas would provide opportunities for both air forces to share expertise and strengthen their ability to respond effectively to emerging security and operational challenges.
The CAS also proposed regular follow-up engagements between the two headquarters to sustain the momentum of cooperation and ensure that agreed areas of collaboration translated into practical activities.
Judith Twumwaa, ISD
