Defence cooperation between Ghana and the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire continues to gain momentum as both countries strengthen professional military exchanges and regional security collaboration.

In furtherance of this growing partnership, a three-member delegation from the Côte d’Ivoire Armed Forces, led by Lieutenant Colonel Bati Jean Martial, paid a courtesy call on the Air Force Headquarters on Wednesday, 11 January 2026.

The visit formed part of ongoing bilateral defence engagements and was aimed at conducting preliminary reconnaissance ahead of a scheduled study tour by students of the Côte d’Ivoire Armed Forces Staff College in June 2026. The proposed tour is designed to enhance cross-border professional exposure and promote the exchange of operational knowledge between the two air forces.

Discussions during the engagement centered on strengthening institutional linkages, identifying key operational and training areas of interest, and coordinating the framework for the upcoming academic visit. The Ivorian delegation underscored the importance of exposing their staff college students to Ghana’s air power doctrine, training systems, and operational best practices as part of efforts to build a more interoperable and professionally aligned sub-regional force.

Welcoming the delegation, the Director of Training at Air Force Headquarters, Group Captain Kwabena Antwi, reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to sustained defence collaboration within the West African sub-region. He noted that structured military education exchanges such as these serve as strategic tools for enhancing mutual understanding, professional development, and collective security preparedness.

The engagement reflects the shared resolve of Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire to strengthen defence diplomacy, deepen military-to-military cooperation, and promote stability within the ECOWAS region through sustained professional partnerships.