Military chaplains and religious affairs leaders from across West Africa have underscored the critical role of religion in strengthening regional security, promoting ethical leadership, and improving the welfare of military personnel during the inaugural West Africa Religious Affairs Symposium (WARAS) in Accra, Ghana.

The three-day symposium, jointly organised by the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) and the Ghana Armed Forces, brought together military chaplains, religious affairs personnel, and representatives from ten West African countries, alongside participants from the U.S. State Partnership Program, to explore how faith-based leadership can contribute to military readiness, regional cooperation, and peacebuilding.

Speaking during a digital press briefing, AFRICOM Command Chaplain, Colonel Kevin Forrester, described religion as a strategic element that cannot be overlooked in addressing West Africa’s evolving security challenges.

According to him, religion remains deeply rooted in the culture and daily lives of African societies, making it an essential pillar for fostering resilience, strengthening institutions, and encouraging ethical conduct within the armed forces.

He noted that participating countries share a common commitment to protecting the spiritual well-being of military personnel while respecting the religious diversity that exists within their respective armed forces.

Forrester explained that the symposium was designed to encourage collaboration among military chaplains and religious leaders, enabling them to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships, and develop approaches that promote unity and stability across the region.

He stressed that the initiative was not intended to export the American military chaplaincy model but to provide a platform where countries could learn from one another while respecting each nation’s unique religious and cultural traditions.

According to him, the gathering demonstrates that religious diversity, when properly managed, can become a source of operational strength rather than division.

He further stated that military chaplains possess a unique advantage because they engage service members through shared values, trust, and moral leadership that transcend ethnic, linguistic, and national differences.

Forrester added that strengthening relationships among chaplains across West Africa would improve cooperation not only during peacetime but also during joint security operations and humanitarian missions, where trust and interoperability are essential.

Also speaking during the briefing, AFRICOM Religious Affairs Senior Enlisted Leader, Sergeant Major Herinah Asaah, said military chaplaincy is rapidly evolving to meet the needs of a younger generation of service members.

She explained that chaplains are increasingly moving beyond traditional office-based ministry by engaging personnel in both physical and digital spaces, ensuring that support remains accessible even when troops are deployed in remote locations.

Despite the growing use of technology and social media, Asaah maintained that face-to-face interaction remains indispensable in providing emotional, psychological, and spiritual care to military personnel.

She also highlighted the importance of eliminating the stigma associated with seeking help, noting that military leaders and non-commissioned officers play a crucial role in identifying early signs of emotional distress and connecting personnel with appropriate support services before challenges escalate into crises.

Participants at the symposium also exchanged experiences on strengthening resilience, improving the welfare of troops, and enhancing cooperation among military religious leaders across the region.

Forrester described the symposium as a historic milestone, noting that it marked the first time military religious leaders from the participating West African countries had gathered under a common platform to discuss shared challenges and opportunities.

He expressed confidence that the relationships built during the symposium would contribute to stronger military cooperation, improved ethical leadership, and lasting regional stability.

The inaugural West Africa Religious Affairs Symposium runs from July 14 to July 16 in Accra and focuses on strengthening collaboration among military chaplains, promoting spiritual resilience, and supporting professional military conduct across West Africa.