Gov't institutes welfare package for Ghana Armed Forces.

The Government has instituted a special welfare package for the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF). It includes SSB Housing Loan Scheme payable over 15 years and car loan payable over five years

President Kufuor who announced this on Friday, reassured members of the GAF that training facilities and logistics would be given priority attention when the economy improved.

Addressing a durbar of officers and men at the Air Force Base in Accra, President Kufuor did not give details of the package but said the rehabilitation of the 37 Military Hospital and the Medical Reception Stations (MRS) would continue.

He announced that the government has in addition increased the UN Peacekeeping Allowance from 16 dollars to 20 dollars, adding, "all these efforts are being made in the hope that the soldier and his family would be able to lead reasonably comfortable lives and have the peace of mind to carry out his constitutional duties.".

President Kufuor said the plan by the Ministry of Defence to engage troops in re-afforestation programmes would restore the ecological balance in the forest and contribute to the sustainability of the timber industry whilst they earn extra income.

He cautioned that whilst the government was making efforts to improve their standard of living, they should not do anything that would bring the Forces into disrepute.

President Kufuor said positive relations between the military and civilians should be the concern of all, adding, "it is a mark of the strength and discipline of a soldier that he treats civilians with courtesy and due regard for their rights and does not bully or frighten them".

The military as an institution must keep itself out of partisan politics, he said. "Whilst as individual citizens you are of course, entitled to political opinions and to exercise your civic duties when it comes to voting, you collectively as the military have no business in politics.

"The abolition of political organisations like the June 4 Movement, 31st December Women's Movement and ACDR's within the ranks of the GAF is meant to ensure that soldiers do not get dragged into partisan political arena", he added.

President Kufuor said the military is a noble and honourable profession and the GAF have an enviable reputation abroad with their peacekeeping record second to none. Therefore they should build a similar reputation at home by being loyal to the constitution and the state.

"The people of Ghana, including you have reached a consensus that the way forward is to use the ballot box to change governments. This is the only way to restore power to the people and make them confident in their rights. You must be part of the process of building a safe, happy and prosperous country".

Major-General Seth K. Obeng, Chief of Defence Staff said the loyalty of the Forces to the government and the nation remains unflinching and unquestionable.

"We shall remain committed to the ideals of professionalism and the Constitution and do all in our power to maintain cordial relationship with the civilian population." He added.