Ghana Armed Forces should lead fight against galamsey - President

Accra, May 26, GNA - President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Friday maintained that the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) should be at the forefront in the fight against illegal mining, saying Ghanaians expect security services to curb the menace.

'As government intensifies its efforts to curb the illegal mining phenomenon, otherwise referred to as 'galamsey', that is polluting our waters, destroying our farmlands and forests, and threatening the very survival of this country, Ghanaians will continue to rely on the efforts of our security services, with the Armed Forces in the forefront, to help deal with the problem.

'I am confident that, as always, the Armed Forces will rise to the occasion,' he said during the Presentation of Colours to the Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment (RECCE), at a colourful ceremony at the Gondar Barracks, Burma Camp, in Accra.

The ceremony, the very first in the history of the GAF to be for the Regiment, is in tune with long-standing military traditions across the world, has been the sole preserve for units in the infantry. However, the decision to present the Regiment with its own Colours is line with a decision taken to present Colours to deserving combat support units of the GAF.

The only other combat support units who have ever been presented with their own colours are the 48 Engineer Regiment and the 66 Artillery Regiment

President Akufo-Addo noted that despite the numerous, complex and unpredictable challenges to Ghana's national security, the officers, men and women of the security services discharged their duties equably and professionally.

He said: 'All of us owe a great debt of gratitude to you, the men and women of the Armed Forces, for being prepared to put your lives on the line to keep our nation safe, safeguard our sovereignty and protect our territorial integrity. As the saying goes, you are the salt of the earth.'

The President assured that his government would pay heed to Ghana's military preparedness to address the new threats to the country's security, by actively supporting contemporary training methods that would not only keep the military abreast with international military trends, but also ensure that they remained the beacon of Armed Forces across the continent.

'We are committed to providing you with modern military equipment, which would complement the training you would receive. Government is also committed to enriching the human resource base of the Armed Forces by supporting initiatives that will provide further education for soldiers, sailors and airmen to enhance their skills at protecting our territorial integrity,' he added.

President Akufo-Addo, in presenting the Colours, urged the Regiment to 'revere it and be guided always by its undying principles of perseverance, unity and bravery in the protection of lives and property, and the defence of the territorial sovereignty of our beloved Ghana.'

'I am confident that you will honour and defend these Colours at all times. The possession of the revered symbols must inspire you to greater service in defence of Mother Ghana,' he said.

GNA

By Ken Sackey, GNA