Story: Michael Donkor
THE President, Mr John Agyekum Kufuor, yesterday reminded personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) of their constitutional duty to protect the territorial integrity of the country.
He said loyalty to the nation, devotion to duty and honourable conduct were the hallmarks of the military.
President Kufuor was speaking at the graduation parade for regular career course intake 48 and short service commission/special duties course 47 at the Military Academy and Training School at Teshie, near Accra. Seventy-nine cadet officers graduated at the ceremony.
President Kufuor urged the military to cherish its mandate as provided by the constitution, adding that it was the surest way to secure the nation and guarantee its peace and stability.
He said top on the agenda for the GAF was capacity building to enable Ghanaian soldiers to hold their own wherever the line of duty took them.
He expressed happiness that the process of enhanced capacity building started from the Military Academy, where the entry requirements were the same as those for the universities.
President Kufuor said in response to global demands, the government had made heavy investment in information communication technology, which had reflected in the curriculum of the academy.
He said being conscious of the needs of the military, the government had signed agreements with companies in China under which $160 million would be made available for re-equipping the entire armed forces and enhance preparation for international peacekeeping operations.
President Kufuor said other provisions for the betterment of operations of the GAF included 12 Mercedes Benz troop carrying vehicles received from Germany and equipment worth 480,000 euros to boost administration, training and operations.
The others, he said, were equipment received from the United States government to strengthen the maritime capabilities of the Ghana Navy, delivery to the Air Force of two more K8 Jet Fighters from China and the commencement of phased replacement of overaged Fokker and Defender aircraft.
President Kufuor said in addition to these developments, construction of a 500-bed Military Hospital Complex would soon begin in Kumasi to facilitate health delivery for the Northern Command and the people of the middle and northern parts of the country.
He said similar improvement efforts were vigorously being made in the area of troop accommodation in all Garrisons, including the training camps at Asutsuare, Shai Hills, Bundase and Daboya.
President Kufuor commended the Armed Forces and other security services for ensuring peace and security in the country.
He said it was through their efforts that the unfortunate ethnic encounters at Yendi, Anloga, Bawku, and now Tamale, had not got out of hand.
President Kufuor reminded the cadet officers of the respect the GAF had earned for themselves both locally and at the international level.
He, therefore, urged the graduates to uphold the principles and traditions to which they had been exposed during their training.
The sword of honour was awarded to Army Officer Cadet Suo Quaye Christopher for being the best all-round cadet for the regular career course 48.
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