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Royal Military Academy to honour Ghanaian Soldier with prestigious award in the UK
Ghanaian military officer to receive prestigious award at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom.
Officer Cadet Gershon Anerboi Abbey of the Ghana Army is to receive the most prestigious award ever presented to a Ghanaian officer on completion of training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom.
Life for a young officer in training at RMA Sandhurst is challenging, stimulating and, above all, rewarding. But, the standard is exceptionally high, and not every officer cadet will make the grade – but those who do will know that they have excelled at one of the world’s toughest and most revered military training academies.
With an illustrious history stretching back more than 200 years, RMA Sandhurst has moulded generals, including Ghana’s very own Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of Army Staff, Heads of State and captains of industry – many of whom are drawn from foreign military organisations who want their officers to be the best. The academy continues to be a global centre of excellence for leadership to this day and has in recent times trained officers from over 90 different countries.
On Friday 14 December 2018, at the Sovereign’s Parade to mark the successful completion of officer training, OCdt Abbey will be recognised through presentation of the International Sword of Honour by HRH the Duke of Cambridge, Prince William. This award is the premier award available to international officers; it is presented to the best International Officer Cadet and OCdt Abbey, who is the latest of over 160 Ghanaian Army Officers to graduate from Sandhurst, has beaten stiff competition from officers drawn from across the world. This is an historic achievement by a young officer who has delivered a performance that has been described as ‘superb’.
OCdt Abbey’s achievement is immense and it is historic – no other Ghana Army Officer has received this prestigious award. It is extremely fitting therefore that he will receive the International Sword from Prince William, as the personal representative of HRH The Queen, at the Sovereign’s Parade on Friday 14 December 2018.
OCdt Abbey will return to Ghana shortly after the Parade to assume his duties with the Ghana Army. Meanwhile, three of his colleagues continue their training at RMA Sandhurst, seeking to emulate his success.
The United Kingdom Defence Adviser to Ghana, Lt Col Simon Westlake RM, said:
“OCdt Abbey’s achievement is inspiring and reflects determination, commitment, but above all professionalism in all areas; Ghana can be proud of this fine young man. He has not only set an example to his Ghanaian colleagues, but to all officers at RMA Sandhurst. As he now returns home to Ghana, I wish the very best of luck to his colleagues who continue to train at RMA Sandhurst and those others who are training elsewhere with the British Armed Forces.”
The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.
According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.
Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.
The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.
If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.
As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Wednesday inaugurated a seven-member committee on the establishment of state police, giving it four weeks to submit its report.
The inauguration was held during his maiden conference with senior police officers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Charging members of the panel to discharge their duties with professionalism and objectivity, Disu described the assignment as “both significant and timely,” noting that it would shape the framework through which state policing may operate in Nigeria.
“In carrying out this assignment, your deliberations must be guided by professionalism, objectivity, and a clear appreciation of the unique complexities of policing a diverse nation such as our own,” the IGP said.
He stated that if properly designed and effectively implemented, state policing holds significant potential benefits for the country.
“By bringing law enforcement closer to communities, state police institutions can deepen local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker and more targeted responses to emerging threats,” he added.
The committee is expected to review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs and emerging risks, and propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures.
It will also address issues relating to recruitment, training, standards and resource allocation, as well as develop accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust.
The panel is chaired by Olu Ogunsakin, with Bode Ojajuni as secretary. Other members are Emmanuel Ojukwu, Okebechi Agora, Suleyman Gulma, Ikechukwu Okafor and Tolulope Ipinmisho.
Disu said the committee had about four weeks to conclude its assignment and submit a comprehensive report.
The move marks one of the first major steps taken by the new police chief since his appointment and confirmation a few days ago.
The development comes amid rising security concerns across the country, with several stakeholders advocating state policing as part of measures to tackle insecurity.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier asked the National Assembly to commence the process of amending relevant laws to pave the way for the creation of state police.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday swore in Olatunji Disu as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
Disu took the oath of office at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
The President also administered the oath of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).
The ceremonies were witnessed by ministers, senior government officials and family members of the appointees.
The council meeting began shortly after the swearing-in.
In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs EsthMrs.Walson-Jack.
Disu was appointed acting IGP on February 25, 2026, by President Tinubu, following the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
His appointment was subsequently endorsed by the Nigeria Police Council (NPC).
The former Assistant Inspector-General of Police assumed office last Wednesday.
He previously served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, after his promotion to the rank last year.
A former head of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Disu has pledged to deliver accountable, modern and professional policing.
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