Ghana Armed Forces Secure Historic Bronze at 2026 U.S. Army Best Medic Competition

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) achieved a significant international milestone by clinching third place at the 2026 U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) Best Medic Competition. Held in Italy from January 13 to 15, 2026, the event brought together elite military medical personnel to showcase their technical expertise and physical resilience. This historic bronze-medal finish marks the second consecutive year that Ghana has fielded a joint-service team, demonstrating the nation's rising prominence in global military medicine and its unwavering commitment to international standards of care.

Represented by a dedicated duo comprising Sergeant Cornelius Adagbe from the Army and Leading Seaman Ato Amonoo-Rockson from the Navy, the Ghanaian team delivered a stellar performance. They amassed an impressive 2,789 out of a possible 3,000 points, narrowly trailing behind top-tier competitors from the United States and Italy. The success was not limited to the primary duo; Captain Emmanuel Oti-Boateng earned special accolades alongside a U.S. medic in the Tactical Combat Casualty Care category, while Flight Lieutenant Margaret Boateng also showcased exceptional skills, reinforcing the depth of talent within Ghana’s joint-service medical ranks.

Organized by the U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence, the competition was designed to push participants to their absolute limits through rigorous, combat-like simulations. The scenarios mirrored modern warfare conditions, requiring medics to perform life-saving procedures under intense physical and mental pressure. Competing against highly trained teams from the United States, Italy, and Liberia, the Ghanaian personnel proved their proficiency in trauma management, evacuation procedures, and field medical logistics, validating the high-quality training provided within the GAF.

This achievement underscores the robust and growing partnership between Ghana and the United States in the area of medical readiness and military cooperation. By participating in such high-stakes international exercises, the Ghana Armed Forces not only enhance their own operational capabilities but also contribute to regional stability through improved medical expertise. The bronze medal serves as a testament to the dedication of Ghana’s military medical personnel and provides a strong foundation for future collaborations in global peacekeeping and humanitarian missions.