'I will support the Armed Forces' - President Akufo-Addo
By Ken Sackey, GNA
Accra, March 10, GNA- President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Friday reiterated his government's determination to give the required support to the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) to become the best in the region and globally.
'Ghanaians want an Armed Forces that is disciplined, well-motivated and respectful of the rights and liberties of the people... we have to work together to achieve this goal,' he said when addressing officers, men, women and civilian employees of the General Headquarters of the GAF at Burma Camp in Accra.
The President, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the GAF, had joined to mark the armed forces' 2016 annual West African Soldiers Social Activity (WASSA), where troops unwind after a hard year's service, take stock of its activities in the past year and re-strategise for the new year.
President Akufo-Addo told the troops that his vision for the GAF is that of well-resourced and motivated armed forces, adding, 'This will be the focus of my government for the Ghana Armed Forces,' and that 'government will take your welfare seriously.'
Further boosting the morale of troops, President Akufo-Addo announced an increment of the current peacekeeping allowance from 31 dollars to 35 dollars, to wild applauds and jubilation by personnel who were at the event.
He assured troops that henceforth, those serving in peacekeeping missions would be paid their allowance in the theatres of operations and not when they returned from those missions to Ghana.
'Decision has been taken to ensure all military personnel embarking on peacekeeping mission received their allowances in their areas of operations.
'No matter what part of the world you find yourself in peacekeeping, you will be paid your allowances there. That is the principle and we are not going back on it. Peacekeeping money is for peacekeepers,' he said
President Akufo-Addo noted that with the traditional challenges to security being compounded by contemporary threats like drug and human trafficking, proliferation of small and light weapons, armed robberies cyber-crime and activities of Nomadic herdsmen, government would actively support modern training methods, to keep the armed forces abreast with international military trends and ensure that they remained the beacon of armed forces across the continent.
'We are committed to providing you with modern military equipment, which will complement the training you would receive. Government is also committed to enriching the human resource base of the armed forces, by supporting initiatives that would provide further education for soldiers and airmen to enhance their skills in protection our territorial integrity.'
The President said with the advent of oil and gas resources, the Ghana Navy's role had become even more critical, as they now had the added responsibility of protecting Ghana's waters and oil fields from new threats, adding that the service arm would be adequately resourced to make it effective in their role.
He said Government would 'allocate the necessary resources to protect Ghana's ciders of communication', especially in the wake of current activities in the Gulf of Guinea, such as piracy, disruptions and destruction of oil and gas operations, bunkering, drug trafficking.
'Today the challenges to Ghana's security are numerous, complex and sometimes unpredictable. Nevertheless, in the face of all these threats you continue to discharge duties effectively and professionally.
'All of us owe a debt of gratitude to men and women of the armed forces for being prepared to put their lives on the line to keep Ghana safe, safeguard the country's sovereignty and protect its territorial integrity.'
The Commander-in-Chief of the GAF also reassured troops that all barracks across the country would be refurbished and renovated and that more residential accommodation facilities would be provided to reduce the acute accommodation problem facing troops.
He also announced that action on the third phase of the 37 Military hospital had began, to ensure the hospital continued to provide first class health care for members of the armed forces and their families, civilians and to meet its function as a national emergency hospital.
'Government is also committed to constructing a new military hospital in Tamale to service health needs of military personnel in the northern sector of Ghana.'
The President wished the current brass of the armed forces well in their duties, confident that they would establish a military tradition that would stand the test of time.
He commended personnel of the GAF for the effective role they played in last December's elections saying that this had won the admiration of the world and enhanced the image of Ghana and its democracy.
The Chief of the Defence Staff, Major General. Obed Akwa expressed gratitude for the time the President spent with the forces, pledging the loyalty of the officers, men and women of the GAF to the President.
He assured the President that the GAF would use its resources and skill to protect the integrity of Ghana's territory and ensure that there is peace, harmony and security in the country.
Some service and civilian personnel received awards for distinguishing themselves in the past year.
GNA