Senior SETAF-AF leader visits Ghana, strengthens security partnership

ACCRA, Ghana - U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Daniel Cederman visited Ghana in late January to reinforce the long-standing security partnership between the U.S. Army and the Ghana Armed Forces through senior leader engagements and professional dialogue.

During the visit, Cederman, the deputy commanding general of U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), met with Rolf Olson, chargé d'affaires ad interim at the U.S. Embassy in Accra. They discussed the importance of U.S.-Ghana defense cooperation as part of the broader diplomatic relationship between the two nations. Their talk highlighted the value of close coordination between military and diplomatic leaders in advancing shared security interests in West Africa.

Cederman also spoke with senior Ghanaian military leaders, including Air Vice Marshal Eric Agyen-Frempong, chief of the Air Staff. This engagement focused on strengthening military-to-military cooperation, maintaining multinational readiness and identifying opportunities for continued collaboration in training and professional military development.

The meeting went on to address Ghana's role as a regional security partner and the importance of sustained engagement to address evolving security challenges. Conversations emphasized mutual respect, shared interests and the continued commitment of both nations to stability and security across the region.

"Our partnership with the Ghana Armed Forces reflects years of cooperation built through training, exercises and professional military development," Cederman said. "These engagements help ensure we remain ready and able to work together effectively when it matters most."

The visit underscored the enduring partnership between the U.S. Army and the Ghana Armed Forces, built over years of cooperation in training, exchanges and joint activities.

Ghana has served as a host nation for U.S. Africa Command's largest exercise, African Lion. Ghana Armed Forces medics have also conducted numerous medical readiness exercises with SETAF-AF military medical personnel and participated in the "Best Medic" exercise that recently concluded. SETAF-AF partnered with Ghana to host last year's African Land Forces Summit in Accra, and Ghana partnered with U.S. Marine Forces Europe and Africa to host the 2024 Africa Maritime Forces Summit.

Looking ahead, Ghana is scheduled to participate in African Lion 2026 that will take place from April 20 to May 8 across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. In addition to hosting a medical readiness exercise, Ghanaian soldiers will participate in a combined forces exercise in Morocco in a broader multinational training event, supporting continued collaboration between U.S. forces and African partners.

Through engagements like this visit, U.S. Army leaders continue to strengthen trust, promote shared understanding and support collaborative efforts with African partners. These relationships support both countries' goals of developing capable, professional forces prepared to contribute to regional peace and security.

Related Stories

Senior SETAF-AF leader visits Senegal, reinforces military partnership | Feb. 19, 2026

Army command works to engage with African partners | Oct. 12, 2023

About SETAF-AF

U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) prepares Army forces, executes crisis response, enables strategic competition and strengthens partners to achieve U.S. Army Europe and Africa and U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives.

Follow SETAF-AF on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn & DVIDS