Ahead of election 2024, President Nana Akufo-Addo has urged military personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces, (GAF) to uphold professionalism to ensure peaceful and fair elections.
In his remarks at the WASSA end-of-year gathering at the Army headquarters in Accra, President Nana Addo said the country’s military personnel as well as other security agencies tasked with maintaining law and order must ensure professionalism as it prepares for election 2024.
“Next year our nation goes to the polls for the 9th time in the history of the 4th republic. Our nation is described as a beacon of democracy and stability and it is in our deemed collective interest that this status is firmly maintained. I urge you officers and men and women of the army forces and other security services to help preserve our nation’s enviable record” he stated.
Nana entreated the military to ensure that the forthcoming elections are conducted in an atmosphere of peace and stability thereby protecting the Ghanaian people.
He seized the opportunity to commend the military high command for its commitment to the protection and defense of the country’s territorial integrity.
“The Government and people of Ghana continue to appreciate the sacrifice of the armed forces in ensuring peace and security both at home and abroad. I commend the army forces for playing the central role in rescuing affected persons of the Akosombo Dam spillage” he indicated.
The president assured the army of his government’s commitment to building a robust military service and boosting their operational capabilities to meet the welfare needs of all ranks.
GOVERNMENT PROJECTS
Some of the government’s flagship projects in the armed forces include the donation of 145 assorted vehicles construction of the Military Academy campus at Teshie, 832 Military Housing units across all Garrisons, procurement of 50 Ankai buses, and 72 armored personnel carrier vehicles and communication equipment. Procurement of 6 multi-rocker launchers, Navy FOB at Enzelebu.
Resurfacing of 100KM barracks roads, acquisition of a new set of saluting guns four patrol boats for the Navy, and 70 Kamaz trucks for peacekeeping operations. Construction of 8 one-story buildings at the Naval base at Nutekpor etc.
Minister for Defence, Dominic Nitiwul appreciated the president for commissioning several government-sponsored projects at the Military Academy which has helped improve the infrastructural amenities and quality training of cadet officers.
“The retooling of the Ghana Armed Forces is ongoing and the series of commissioning and handing over of vehicles and equipment is an attestation of the government’s commitment to it”.
“Let us remind ourselves that we have to support the government’s effort by providing an enabling security environment for accelerated National Development and Growth and thereby improving the livelihood of the citizenry” he added.
Chief of the Defence Staff, Vice Admiral Seth Amoama, said the army throughout the year has offered its services to preserve stability and the internal security of the country.
He applauded the government for its dedication and commitment to ensuring the continuous retooling of the Ghana Armed Forces in enhancing its operational capabilities.
BY Prince Fiifi Yorke