Call on security agencies to remain vigilant(Page 14)

Story: Michael Donkor & Victor Kwawukume, Ho
 
THE Minister of National Security, Mr Francis Poku, has charged security agencies to remain alert and be ready to ward off attempts by deviant persons to forment trouble as the nation enters 2008.
Mr Poku observed that next year would be a challenging year as the much-acclaimed peaceful status of the country would be rigorously put to test, saying “the security agencies must remain poised for protecting and sustaining the image of the country”.
He said the Africa Cup of Nations tournament, during which 16 teams, together with thousands of supporters are expected in the country, in addition to the United Trade Congress, also scheduled for Ghana during which 40 Heads of State, in addition to 5,000 delegates would be attending, posed a very formidable task which the security must deal with.
“We have a duty to keep the country peaceful so as to receive all these visitors and to ensure that all these activities go on successfully in an atmosphere of absolute peace,” he stressed.
Mr Francis Poku was addressing this year’s West African Soldiers Social Activity (WASSA) of the 66 Artillery Regiment in Ho over the weekend. It was on the theme “66 Artillery Regiment: A Partner in National Development”.
Mr Poku observed a disturbing trend where non-resident indigenes of some towns and villages went to their areas using their wealth in formenting trouble.
According to him, such people used their wealth to distort the history of their localities, re-invent the history of their communities so that they could become chiefs.
He called on the security agencies to be wary of such persons and be prepared to nip their intents in the bud before they generated any conflict, thereby engendering insecurity in the country.
He, however, advised the rich ones to use their wealth to promote the development of their communities instead of creating tension.
Mr Poku commended the 66 Artillery Regiment for their immense contribution to national security and enhancement of the image of the Ghana Army in international operations.
He said they had exhibited good neighbourliness and enhanced civil-military relations, adding that their principles must be emulated by all.
Mr Poku also showed gratitude to the wives and family of the soldiers for the supportive roles they had played and continued to play in the success stories of the regiment.
The Commanding Officer of the 66 Artillery Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Emmanuel Kotia, speaking on the theme, said the regiment had continued to capture civil-military relations as an important focus.
“I am happy to announce that there exists a good relationship between the military and the civil society in the Ho Municipality and the region as a whole,” he recounted.
He said their services were more society-oriented, and that such facilities in the barracks as schools and playing fields continued to be open to civilians. He said that had helped to strengthen and develop a good working relation in the community.
“I, therefore, wish to call on the civil society and the population as a whole to see the military as partners in development and not as agents of destruction. A solid and sustained civilian-military relations are, therefore, an important ingredient to good governance,” he emphasised.
The Volta Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Dzamesi, praised the preparedness and the prompt response of the regiment any time it was called upon to act.
He also commended the role it played in the recent clashes at Anloga, and pledged the continued assistance of the Volta Regional Co-ordinating Council (VRCC) to enhance the output of the regiment.