Military urged to get more involve in social activities

Ho, Nov. 14, GNA - Mr Joseph Amenowode, Volta Regional Minister, on Monday advised military personnel to get more involve in social activities to deepen their relationship with the civilian population.

He suggested to the military to organise more social programmes such as civilian-military games to promote effective relationship.

Mr Amenowode gave the advice at the regional launch of Ghana Armed Forces- Community Relations Week in Ho.

The programme, which was initiated last year, is aimed at promoting better military-civil relations.

The theme for this year is: “The Ghana Armed Forces-Facilitator of Peace and Order for National Development.”

Mr Amenowode said unlike the Police and other security services, the military remained at a distance from the public and needed to do more work on its ties with civilians.

“Many of us still fear the men in uniform for several reasons,” Mr Amenowode stated.

He commended the 66 Artillery Regiment for helping maintain peace and order in the region.

Mr Amenowode also praised the regiment for rendering community services across the region and urged it to expand those services.

Lieutenant Colonel Abass Seidu, Commanding Officer of the Regiment, said the Regiment remained committed to extending a “helping hand” to communities irrespective of provocations and open show of disrespect by some civilians towards military personnel.

He explained that some youths in the Region were fond of tempting military men on national duty.

Lt. Col. Seidu said for instance civilians at Kete Krachi and Aflao often hauled insults and stones at soldiers on patrol.

“All these are provocations but because we are on national duty, we have decided not to respond,” he said.

Lt. Col. Seidu appealed to the media to help deepen military-civilian relations in the region.

Some community activities planned to mark the week are tree planting, medical outreach and donation to inmates of Ho Central Prisons.

GNA