Medical personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) have achieved impressive results at the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) Best Medic Competition held in Vicenza, Italy, from January 5 to 15, 2026.

The stride reflects Ghana’s growing professionalism and international military cooperation.

SETAF-AF is responsible for preparing U.S. Army forces, executing crisis response operations and strengthening partnerships in support of U.S. Army Europe and Africa and the U.S. Africa Command.

The multinational nature of the competition allowed medics from participating countries to exchange best practices and strengthen interoperability in advanced trauma care and delayed evacuation procedures, ensuring readiness for joint operations during future crises.

The competition brought together 24 medical professionals from Ghana, Italy, Liberia and the United States to test their physical endurance, clinical judgment and technical competence under simulated combat conditions.

For the second consecutive year, Ghana fielded a four-member joint team drawn from the Army, Navy and Air Force, underscoring the country’s commitment to joint operations and medical readiness within multinational security partnerships.

At the end of the competition, two GAF medics, Sergeant Cornelius Adagbe and Leading Seaman Ato Amonoo Rockson, placed third overall, scoring 2,789 out of a possible 3,000 points.

Leading Seaman Rockson also recorded the second-highest score in the U.S. Army Fitness Test with 454 out of 500 points, while Sergeant Adagbe placed second in the unknown-distance foot march.

The event featured two main phases, comprising a knowledge exchange and a competitive segment.

Participants underwent training in chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear response, resilience and mindful movement, M4 carbine marksmanship, trauma care and prolonged casualty care.

The two-day competitive phase, held on January 13 and 14, replicated high-stress, life-saving scenarios common in battlefield environments.

Mr Rolf Olson, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim at the U.S. Embassy in Accra, speaking on the significance of Ghana’s participation, said the performance of the GAF medics demonstrated the depth of the bilateral security partnership between Ghana and the United States.

“Ghana’s continued participation in this premier event is a testament to the professional calibre of its medical personnel. They are not just training for a competition; they are solidifying a partnership that saves lives,” he said.

He added that the exercise complemented broader security cooperation, including the recent deployment of GAF personnel to Jamaica in December 2025 aboard a U.S. Air Force C-17 aircraft for humanitarian assistance.

Outstanding individual and team performances were also recorded across several medical disciplines.

Leading Seaman Rockson was recognised alongside a U.S. Army medic for delayed evacuation casualty management, while Captain Emmanuel Oti Boateng of the GAF shared honours in tactical combat casualty care with a U.S. Army medic.

Sergeant Adagbe and Leading Seaman Rockson also featured among the top performers in K-9 casualty care.

U.S. Army Sergeant Major Shanett Robinson, Chief Medical Non-Commissioned Officer of SETAF-AF, said the competition was designed to validate medical skills in a demanding, interoperable environment.

“This competition is about building medical excellence for the fight today. We’re creating a high-stress environment where U.S. soldiers and international medics can test and refine their skills together,” she said.