President re-affirms support for GAF

Friday, September 2, 2011
By Edmund Mingle
President John Evans Atta Mills yesterday re-assured the Ghana Armed Forces of the government’s commitment to support them to be able to perform creditably to fulfil their constitutional mandate in the best interest of the nation.
He said the government has made important beginning in resourcing the GAF, and was determined to ensure that all plans were fully implemented to have the Forces adequately resourced
President Mills gave the assurance when he commissioned 105 new officers into the GAF at the Ghana Military Academy in Accra.
Justifying the relevance of the support being advanced to enhance the capacity of the Forces, he said explained that with the nation’s emerging oil industry, there was a need for the Navy and the Airforce to be adequately equipped to effectively protect the nation’s territorial waters.
Without the requisite support, he acknowledged that the Forces would not be able to achieve much.
To reciprocate the support being offered, President Mills reminded the members of the GAF to deliver to justify the increased investment in that sector.
He commended the GAF for the immense contribution they continue to make towards nation building, and urged the Officers to guide their subordinates to develop themselves in their chosen field.
President Mills, who reviewed the parade of the graduands, congratulated the new officers for the achievement, but reminded them of the responsibilities and challenges ahead.
He urged them to be obedient and disciplined, and protect the integrity of the GAF which is one of the best in world.
In addition, the President encouraged them to keep the integrity and reputation they had built during the course, adding they would have to work extra hard to maintain the virtues of military discipline, since they would be the future leaders of the Ghana Armed Forces.
President Mills also urged the new officers to help in enhancing the relations between the military and civilians since the civilians are vital stakeholders.
As part of the colourful event, President Mills gave prizes to distinguished new officers, with The Sword of Honour, awarded to the Best All Round Officer Cadet in the Regular Career Course 51, going to Senior Under Officer Kwame Owusu-Gyimah.
Out of the 105 new officers 71 are for the Ghana Army, 22 for the Navy and 12 for the Air Force.
In a message, the Commandant of the School, Real Admiral M. M. Tahiru, urged the new officers to remain loyal to the State and the people of Ghana at all times.
He also advised the new officers to improve on the knowledge and skills acquired and enhance their personal development aside their military career development.
END