An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | May 7, 2010

Connections with Hooligans continue after Ghana mission ends

By Courtesy Story

FARGO, N.D., - A two-week mission to Ghana resulted in enduring personal and professional connections for a Happy Hooligan.

Senior Airman Derek Johansen recently returned from the African country, where he worked with more than 30 other North Dakota Air National Guardsmen in the Civil Engineer Squadron to renovate buildings in Accra, Ghana's capital, and Takoradi.

Johansen works as an electrician with the Guard, although he helped with a variety of projects while in Ghana, "whether that be helping build trusses or hammering away on concrete," he said.

In the course of his job, he met electricians in the Ghana Armed Forces, and has since established Facebook connections to stay in touch. The first connection Johansen made, however, was with Senam Doe-Dade, the son of a Ghanaian soldier.

"Senam, who goes by the name Joe, is a 16-year-old student whose father is in the military. He and some of his friends were playing basketball one day, and I just had to join in the fun," Johansen said. "We got to talking about everything from the differences in our home countries to the similarities."

North Dakota paired with Ghana in 2004 as part of the Department of Defense-sponsored State Partnership Program, which aligns states with partner countries to encourage the development of economic, political and military ties.

While at first glance there may appear to be few similarities between North Dakota and anywhere in Africa, the military in each area face similar challenges, including frequent flooding and deployment on peacekeeping missions.

When Johansen asked Doe-Dade about Facebook, he had replied, "Yes, it is big in Ghana."

Johansen later connected with Samuel Arizie, an electrician with the Ghana Army with whom he wired ceiling fans, and Richard Amakwah, Arizie's friend from basic military training.

"I set both of them up with Facebook to stay in touch with me after I departed," Johansen said.

When the Civil Engineer Squadron moved north to the project in Takoradi, Johansen connected with another Ghanaian electrician, Makafui Kofi Sosu.

"He helped me inventory the electrical supplies, and from there we hit it off quite well," Johansen said.

Before leaving Takoradi, Johansen connected with Lt. Jacob Nanjo, of the Ghana Army, at a commander's dinner. They connected almost immediately.

"He tagged along with us when we went off base and had a good time," Johansen said. "We both loved music, and I eventually got some local Ghanaian music from him before I left the country. Jacob is a really great guy, and the one I will miss the most."

Army Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota adjutant general, noticed the friendships and Facebook connections being formed when he visited the squadron in Ghana.

"I think this is a great example of what the State Partnership Program is doing on so many levels," he said. "In terms of the global operating environment, we're learning from each other and building on each other's strengths to become a stronger, more adaptable force in our own countries.

"On a smaller but no less important scale, our Guardsmen are learning and refining their skills while also making lasting connections that will enhance their military and civilian experiences. This is truly a win-win situation for the North Dakota National Guard and our members."

Johansen, who has been in the Guard for four years, knows that for certain.

"I hope to stay in contact with all of the Ghanaians via Facebook, and I would love to make it back to visit someday," he said. "We joke around that we will send Facebook invites for each other's weddings in the future."

 

 

Related Articles
Civic leaders and newly commissioned U.S. Air Force pilot trainees gather with the 168th Wing KC-135 Stratotanker aircrew following an aerial refueling mission during Red Flag-Alaska 25-2, June 24, 2025. The event provided participants with a unique opportunity to witness the complex coordination and precision required for refueling U.S. and allied aircraft in flight. This experience highlighted the critical role the 168th Wing plays in sustaining readiness and strengthening defense capabilities throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
Civic Leaders Fly With Alaska Air Guard During Red Flag Alaska 25-2
By Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey, | July 3, 2025
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska – The Alaska Air National Guard’s 168th Wing hosted a civic leader flight June 24 that offered local leaders an opportunity to view an aerial refueling mission over the Joint Pacific Alaska...

The U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa Command Surgeon and staff, along with the Ohio National Guard, visit medical students and doctors at the American Corner prior to attending the Platinum Wolf 25 Distinguished Visitor day in Bujanovac, Serbia, June 26, 2025. PW25 is an exercise focused on regional stability, partnership, and interoperability between the U.S., regional forces, and the Serbian Armed Forces, marking the first time Stamp and his staff attended in support of the medical teams that participated in the exercise.
Ohio Guard Attends Exercise Platinum Wolf in Serbia
By 1st Lt. Kaseyann Cornwall, | July 3, 2025
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany – Several high-ranking officials from U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa, or USAFE-AFAFRICA, and the Ohio National Guard participated in the June 26 Distinguished Visitor day at Exercise...

A UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopter from Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 140th Aviation, 96th Troop Command, Washington Army National Guard conducts water bucket training with Central Pierce Fire and Rescue, June 30, 2025, near Puyallup, Wash.
Washington Army Guard Trains in Water Bucket Operations
By Joseph Siemandel, | July 2, 2025
PUYALLUP, Wash. - To prepare for wildfire season, aviation crews from the Washington Army National Guard have been working to become certified in water bucket operations, completing as many repetitions as possible while...