Ghana Armed Forces Secure Historic Bronze at 2026 US Army Best Medic Competition in Italy

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) have achieved a historic milestone on the international stage, securing a third-place finish at the 2026 U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) Best Medic Competition held in Italy. Representing the nation with distinction, the Ghanaian joint-service team demonstrated exceptional medical proficiency and operational readiness during the rigorous event, which took place between January 5 and 15 at Caserma Del Din. This accomplishment underscores the growing expertise of Ghana’s military medical personnel and their ability to perform under high-pressure, combat-simulated conditions alongside elite international teams from the United States, Italy, and Liberia.

The Ghanaian duo of Sergeant Cornelius Adagbe from the Army and Leading Seaman Ato Amonoo-Rockson from the Navy led the charge, earning the bronze medal with a remarkable score of 2,789 out of a possible 3,000 points. Their performance was part of a broader joint effort that included personnel from the Air Force, showcasing the seamless synergy across the GAF’s medical branches. In addition to the overall bronze, Captain Emmanuel Oti-Boateng was singled out for excellence, sharing top honors in the highly technical Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) category. The competition tested participants across a variety of demanding scenarios designed to mimic modern warfare, including physical endurance, medical triage, and field trauma care.

Organized by the U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence (MEDCoE), the event is designed to evaluate the combat medical proficiency of soldiers through physically and mentally taxing drills. This marks the second consecutive year that Ghana has participated in this prestigious challenge, reflecting a sustained commitment to military medical excellence. The U.S. Embassy in Ghana, which announced the results on January 30, emphasized that the competition highlights the strong bilateral partnership between Ghana and the United States, particularly in the realm of medical readiness and military-to-military cooperation.

This achievement reflects a significant step forward in the Ghana Armed Forces’ commitment to maintaining world-class standards in military medicine. By excelling in an environment that simulates the complexities of real-world combat, the GAF has proven its capability to provide life-saving support on the front lines. The recognition serves not only as a point of national pride but also as an indicator of the strategic value of international collaboration in military training. As the GAF continues to integrate these high-level competencies into its operations, this success provides a solid foundation for future participation and further professional development within its medical corps.