Saturday, September 24, 2011
By Edmund Mingle
President John Evans Atta Mills yesterday sounded of note of warning to drug barons across the globe that Ghana is out of bounds for their illicit drug trade, as the nation’s the security apparatus is on red alert.
Addressing the 66th United Nations General Assembly in New York, USA, President Mills noted that Ghana was intensifying her efforts to check the menace in spite of the gains made in the fighting drug trafficking in Ghana in recent years.
“My administration remains relentlessly committed to vigorously fighting the narcotics menace.
“We will continue to make Ghana an unattractive destination for the drug barons and their assigns,” he told the General Assembly made up of world leaders.
He was of the conviction that Ghana must be free from drugs as a measure to ring-fence the future of our youth, citing the destructive effects of illicit drugs on society.
“Indeed, the world must be made an unattractive place for the illicit drug trade,” he stressed in his address, which is his second to the Assembly.
Briefing the Assembly of the government’s development initiatives, he said as his administration continue to invest heavily in the youth by expanding education and skills training opportunities, efforts would be made to protect the youth against destructive practices such as drug trafficking and use.
He cited the increase in provision of free school uniforms, free text books, and the elimination of over 1,000 schools under trees within the last two years, saying “we are confident that the right foundation is being built for take-off.”
“Ghana’s oil and gas find also gives us greater opportunity to create the necessary environment for sustainable job creating avenues to comprehensively beat down youth unemployment numbers,” he added.
Ghana, he said, was implementing a youth policy that is situating young men and women in the center of nation building, indicating that Ghana highly recognizes and appreciates the contributions of its youth in the development of our democracy and nation.
The government, he noted, believed that the adoption of the UN political declaration urging states to develop comprehensive policies and action plans to give more meaning to youth development, was commendable, especially in this International Year of the Youth.
Touching on other pertinent national and global issues such as conflict prevention, climate
change, gender development and human security, President Mills reiterated his administration’s
commitment to ensure a free and transparent general election in Ghana next year.
“Ghana’s democratic credentials stand tall and we intend to maintain the standards we have achieved,” he said, noting that the Electoral Commission was being resourced adequately to successfully conduct the elections in a free, fair and transparent manner to safeguard the rights of the citizenry.
He invited the international community keep an eye on Ghana’s 2010 election, as it did it 2008, saying the interest of the international community in Ghana was a source of encouragement for Ghana to conduct the elections peacefully.
According to him, the government had taken measures to strengthen the rule of law by enacting appropriate legislation to promote accountability and good governance, protect human rights, ensure the independence and integrity of the judiciary, free and fair elections, and the freedom of the media, all in an effort to maintain Ghana as a free and peaceful society.
On the international front, President Mills lauding the various initiatives being pursued by the UN to ensure a better world, and reaffirmed Ghana’s fullest commitment to the ideals of the UN and advocated the mustering of the necessary political will that would allow the UN to function more effectively and efficiently.
Ghana, he said, recognized the accomplishment of the UN in taking on complex peacekeeping and security dimensions that require long-term planning and strategic reforms to enable the global body effectively deal with peace-building challenges around the world.
In that regard, he said Ghana re-affirms her support for the on¬going reform agenda being undertaken by the UN in consultation with the Troop and Police Contributing Countries (TCCs and PCCs).
“We do, however, emphasize the importance of regular tripartite consultations between the Security Council, the Secretariat, and TCCs to ensure the successful execution of mandates in the respective peacekeeping operation areas,” he said.
“As one of the top contributors of troops and police personnel to UN peacekeeping operations, Ghana remains unwavering in its commitment to the ideals and objectives of the United Nations.
“Accordingly, I wish to assure you that as long as financial, material and human capacity exist at the national level, Ghana will continue to provide personnel and resources in support of UN peacekeeping and peace-building efforts,” he said.
In that direction, President Mills stressed the need to equitably share the burden and costs to the UN for policing conflict zones around the globe.
Ghana, he noted, fully supports the attainment of an Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), and expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the ATT Preparatory Committee meetings held early this year, saying the ATT was indispensable step in preventing the flow of conventional arms to destinations to threat the security of nations.
“For developing countries such as Ghana, the illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALW) and other conventional weaponry continues to pose a threat to our national security and socio-economic and political stability, given the former's close linkage to terrorism, organized crime, drugs and human trafficking, among others,” he said.
On gender issues, President Mills said it was critical for countries, as members of the global community, to break the gender stereotypes which are root causes of the myriad of gender inequality challenges currently facing most countries.
He informed the Assembly that Ghana remained focused in addressing gender imbalances and misconceptions as well as improving the living conditions of its women and girls, bearing in mind that solving the gender issue would ultimately ensure the attainment of the majority of the Millennium Development Goals.
On the occasion of the high-level meeting to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the Durban Declaration Plan of Action for the fight against all forms of discrimination, he said Ghana recognized the progress achieved in that area and the opportunity given Member States to strengthen and renew political commitment in the prevention and fight against racism and racial discrimination in all its forms.
“We remain confident that the effective implementation of the outcome document will ensure the enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, including victims of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance in all societies.
Touching on the complex issue of climate change, President Mills called for urgent and concerted action to maximize the opportunities climate change presents.
He was of the view that with the right investment in infrastructure, institutions and technology by both the international community and individual nations, “we can unleash the potential of agriculture, harness the multiple benefits of water resources, expand access to modern energy, step up the fight against diseases and conserve tropical forest.”
In addition, he said as climate change negotiations in Durban, South Africa, draws closer, there was a need for increased political commitment, strong leadership and a high sense of flexibility to support climate change mitigation initiatives.
He also lauded the progress made on the design of the institutions of adaptations such as the Green Climate Fund, and hoped that the sources of funding would be determined in time to so as for the Fund to achieve its objectives.
END
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
PBC Diversifies operations
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
By Edmund Mingle
After winning the top spot as the best performing company in Ghana, Produce Buying Company (PBC) the largest cocoa purchaser, has shifted its operations into a higher gear to build on that historic feat.
According to the management, the feat, which is a result of comprehensive reforms introduced in the operations of the company after experiencing huge losses in 2004 and 2006, serves as a huge boost for the firm to vigorously pursue its expansion drive.
Springing from the 34th position in 2009, to clinch the top spot in the Ghana Club 100 for 2010, the management of says it not surprised at the achievement, because a lot of work was done to improve the fortunes of the company.
“We saw it coming,” George Kwadjo Boateng, Deputy Managing Director (Operations) of PBC, told the Times in Accra, indicating that the investments and the efforts of the entire staff have paid off.
According to him, the improved fortunes of the company which gave it the best records to win the award, was a culmination of a multi-purpose strategy adopted by the management for achieve maximum profitability from the firm’s operations.
He explained that after the losses in between 2004 and 2006, management development measures to motivate staff and demand higher performance, promptly pay cocoa farmers and provide incentives them to win more customer loyalty, investment more in cocoa purchases, improve the primary and secondary channels of cocoa evacuation and acquire modern equipment from operations, as well as invest in other areas of the agriculture sector.
As a result, he noted that the company begun witnessing increases in its profit base from 2007 where it was able to pay off its debts, invested some GHc 21million into its haulage operations for efficient evacuation of the cocoa from the farming areas to the ports.
In addition, he said the company was able to increase its market share from about 30 per cent to the current 38 per cent, and aims at further increasing it to about 43 per cent in the 2012/2013 cocoa season.
“We know we can achieve this and even more,” he said, adding that the right measures are in place.
Touching on the company’s investment for expansion, he said PBC has ventured into the production of shea butter.
The establishment of a the company’s subsidiary, called PBC Shea Limited at Buipe in the Northern Region, is almost complete, to process shea nuts into shea butter for export.
It is investing about 10 million dollars to establish the plant, expected to begin operation before the end of this year, with an initial target of processing 40,000 tonnes of nuts into 15,000 tonnes of butter.
In addition, the company is investing in the establishment modern car parks in Tema.
The move forms part of the company's medium-term strategy aimed at diversifying its operations to generate more resources to support its operations.
PBC gained a Profit Before Tax (PBT) of GHc19. 256million in the 2009 2010 financial year, representing a 35 percent jump in earnings, compared to GHc7.176 million for the
previous financial year.
Similarly, the company’s turnover for cocoa operations jumped from GHc430 million in the previous year to the current GHc 622.66 million.
Ultimately, Mr. Boateng, noted that the measures would enable the company to further increase its fortunes, and retain the top spot on the Ghana Club 100 for 2011.
“We are expecting this recognition as Ghana’s most prestigious company to facilitate the process towards enhancing our investment fortunes.
“It is the aim of management and board to move beyond these attainments and establish even better standards for the company,” he said.
Friday, September 9, 2011
UN lauds Ghana's disaster risk reduction plan
Thursday, September 8, 2011
By Edmund Mingle
The United Nations has commended Ghana for developing a National Disaster Risk Reduction Action Plan, which seeks to drastically reduce the impact of disasters, saying disaster prevention is critical for development.
According to the UN, it was laudable the action plan was set for implementation to prevent and also to cushion the nation against disasters when they strike.
Mrs. Ruby Sandhu-Rojon, UN Resident Coordinator gave the commendation when she called on President John Evans Atta Mills at the Castle yesterday.
Ghana, through the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), completed the National Disaster Risk Reduction Action Plan, in accordance to the UN’s recommendation to countries to develop strategies reduce the risk of disasters.
Mrs. Sandhu-Rojon, assured government of the UN’s support to fully implement the action plan which shows ways to protect infrastructure, farms lands, educational and health institutions against disasters, particularly floods and fire.
She encouraged the government to build on the partnership with other stakeholders in the area of disaster prevention, saying reducing the risk of disaster is a shared responsibility.
“We need to build a resilient nation to withstand disasters,” she said.
Mrs. Sandhu-Rojon, who was at the Castle to solicit the President’s commitment for the implementation of the plan, also invited the President Mills to the commemoration on World Disaster Risk Reduction Day in October.
President Mills, responding, thanked the UN system in Ghana for the continuous assistance, and expressed appreciation for the cooperation with NADMO which has culminated in the completion of the action plan.
“We are glad Ghana is among the leaders in the development of the action plan,” he said.
According to President Mills, many of the disasters that occur in Ghana were preventable, and affirmed his administration’s commitment to prevent and effectively manage disasters.
Kofi Portuphy, National Coordinator of NADMO, who accompanied the UN Resident Coordinator to the Castle, the action plan would enable his outfit to effectively eradicate factors to fuel disasters in the various sectors of the country.
By Edmund Mingle
The United Nations has commended Ghana for developing a National Disaster Risk Reduction Action Plan, which seeks to drastically reduce the impact of disasters, saying disaster prevention is critical for development.
According to the UN, it was laudable the action plan was set for implementation to prevent and also to cushion the nation against disasters when they strike.
Mrs. Ruby Sandhu-Rojon, UN Resident Coordinator gave the commendation when she called on President John Evans Atta Mills at the Castle yesterday.
Ghana, through the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), completed the National Disaster Risk Reduction Action Plan, in accordance to the UN’s recommendation to countries to develop strategies reduce the risk of disasters.
Mrs. Sandhu-Rojon, assured government of the UN’s support to fully implement the action plan which shows ways to protect infrastructure, farms lands, educational and health institutions against disasters, particularly floods and fire.
She encouraged the government to build on the partnership with other stakeholders in the area of disaster prevention, saying reducing the risk of disaster is a shared responsibility.
“We need to build a resilient nation to withstand disasters,” she said.
Mrs. Sandhu-Rojon, who was at the Castle to solicit the President’s commitment for the implementation of the plan, also invited the President Mills to the commemoration on World Disaster Risk Reduction Day in October.
President Mills, responding, thanked the UN system in Ghana for the continuous assistance, and expressed appreciation for the cooperation with NADMO which has culminated in the completion of the action plan.
“We are glad Ghana is among the leaders in the development of the action plan,” he said.
According to President Mills, many of the disasters that occur in Ghana were preventable, and affirmed his administration’s commitment to prevent and effectively manage disasters.
Kofi Portuphy, National Coordinator of NADMO, who accompanied the UN Resident Coordinator to the Castle, the action plan would enable his outfit to effectively eradicate factors to fuel disasters in the various sectors of the country.
Six envoys present credentials to President
Friday, September 9, 2011
By Edmund Mingle
President John Evans Atta Mills yesterday received Letters of Credence from six new foreign envoys to Ghana, with a call on them to work hard to boost the economic relations between Ghana and the respective countries.
He said there was need to take advantage of the gains made in the flourishing diplomatic relations to for more economic cooperation between Ghana and their nations.
Receiving the Credentials from the ambassadors separately at the Castle, Osu in Accra, President Mills said Ghana was fully committed to cooperate in areas that would accrue mutual benefits to Ghana and its partners, and urged the new envoys to help in promoting quality partnership between Ghana and their home countries.
The new Ambassadors are Maheyub Buyema Mahafu from Sahrawi, Ms. Sharon Bar-Li from Israel, Mrs. Irene Vida Gala from Brazil, Mekprayoonthong from Thailand, Carsten Nilaus Pedersen from Denmark and Mrs. Maria Susana Pataro from Argentina.
President assured the envoys of his administration’s support and cooperation to enable them to deliver, saying “we want to raise our relations to a higher pedestal.”
Reiterating his call for more south-south cooperation, he said “there is the need to combine our strengths for the benefit of our people.”
He thanked the countries like Denmark, Thailand and Brazil for the continuous cooperation and assistance offered Ghana in the areas of agriculture and health, and assured the governments of Sahrawi, Argentina and Israel of more trade from Ghana.
President Mills urged the envoys to feel at home and promote economic diplomacy since barriers to trade have to be removed to ensure economic growth.
He conveyed best wishes to the governments of the new ambassadors, and reaffirmed that Ghana would continue to provide the congenial atmosphere for investments from those countries to strive.
On the political front, President Mills gave the assurance that Ghana would continue to protect its peace and promote democracy and the rule of law, and assured other countries of support in enhancing their democracies and good governance.
The Ambassadors, in their responses, expressed appreciation to President Mills for accepting them to serve in Ghana, and promised build on the gains made in the relations between Ghana and their respective nations.
Ambassador Mahafu of Sahrawi said he was honoured to be representing his country in Ghana, indicating that Ghana remains an inspiration to Sahrawi in its forward march for stronger democracy and economic development.
He commended Ghana for the democratic and economic progress, and expressed optimism that Sahrawi would enjoy the support of Ghana and other nations to able to advance its national development.
Mrs. Bar-Li of Israel, for her part, thanked Ghana for the cooperation with Israeli investors currently operating in Ghana, believed that there was more for improvement for the ties between the two countries.
“We are here to consolidate our friendship,” she said.
Mrs. Gala of Brazil, was optimistic that she would receive the need support and cooperation from the government to enable her to give off her best in carrying out the critical mission of further developing the ties between Ghana and Brazil.
“Brazil is proud to be associated with Ghana in the efforts to eradicate poverty and enhance development,” she said, adding that “the areas of cooperation are as many as the number of common development challenges facing Ghana and Brazil.”
For his part, Mekprayoonthong of Thailand, promised to enhance the economic, social and cultural collaboration between the two nations especially in expanding cooperation in the areas of agro-processing, fish farming and infrastructure development.
Similarly, Ambassador Pedersen of Denmark, lauded the excellent relations between Ghana and Denmark, and assured Ghana of more development support from his that country.
Mrs. Pataro of Argentina, for her part, said “we are fully committed to work with all public and private sector institutions in Ghana in enhancing our bilateral ties, and we are thankful for your kind support in allowing us to achieve this goal.”
According to her, Argentina shared with Ghana concerns on major global challenges such as food security, climate change, terrorism, peace and security, indicating that Brazil was determined to continue to continue to partner Ghana to address challenges that adversely affect the welfare of the citizenry.
END
By Edmund Mingle
President John Evans Atta Mills yesterday received Letters of Credence from six new foreign envoys to Ghana, with a call on them to work hard to boost the economic relations between Ghana and the respective countries.
He said there was need to take advantage of the gains made in the flourishing diplomatic relations to for more economic cooperation between Ghana and their nations.
Receiving the Credentials from the ambassadors separately at the Castle, Osu in Accra, President Mills said Ghana was fully committed to cooperate in areas that would accrue mutual benefits to Ghana and its partners, and urged the new envoys to help in promoting quality partnership between Ghana and their home countries.
The new Ambassadors are Maheyub Buyema Mahafu from Sahrawi, Ms. Sharon Bar-Li from Israel, Mrs. Irene Vida Gala from Brazil, Mekprayoonthong from Thailand, Carsten Nilaus Pedersen from Denmark and Mrs. Maria Susana Pataro from Argentina.
President assured the envoys of his administration’s support and cooperation to enable them to deliver, saying “we want to raise our relations to a higher pedestal.”
Reiterating his call for more south-south cooperation, he said “there is the need to combine our strengths for the benefit of our people.”
He thanked the countries like Denmark, Thailand and Brazil for the continuous cooperation and assistance offered Ghana in the areas of agriculture and health, and assured the governments of Sahrawi, Argentina and Israel of more trade from Ghana.
President Mills urged the envoys to feel at home and promote economic diplomacy since barriers to trade have to be removed to ensure economic growth.
He conveyed best wishes to the governments of the new ambassadors, and reaffirmed that Ghana would continue to provide the congenial atmosphere for investments from those countries to strive.
On the political front, President Mills gave the assurance that Ghana would continue to protect its peace and promote democracy and the rule of law, and assured other countries of support in enhancing their democracies and good governance.
The Ambassadors, in their responses, expressed appreciation to President Mills for accepting them to serve in Ghana, and promised build on the gains made in the relations between Ghana and their respective nations.
Ambassador Mahafu of Sahrawi said he was honoured to be representing his country in Ghana, indicating that Ghana remains an inspiration to Sahrawi in its forward march for stronger democracy and economic development.
He commended Ghana for the democratic and economic progress, and expressed optimism that Sahrawi would enjoy the support of Ghana and other nations to able to advance its national development.
Mrs. Bar-Li of Israel, for her part, thanked Ghana for the cooperation with Israeli investors currently operating in Ghana, believed that there was more for improvement for the ties between the two countries.
“We are here to consolidate our friendship,” she said.
Mrs. Gala of Brazil, was optimistic that she would receive the need support and cooperation from the government to enable her to give off her best in carrying out the critical mission of further developing the ties between Ghana and Brazil.
“Brazil is proud to be associated with Ghana in the efforts to eradicate poverty and enhance development,” she said, adding that “the areas of cooperation are as many as the number of common development challenges facing Ghana and Brazil.”
For his part, Mekprayoonthong of Thailand, promised to enhance the economic, social and cultural collaboration between the two nations especially in expanding cooperation in the areas of agro-processing, fish farming and infrastructure development.
Similarly, Ambassador Pedersen of Denmark, lauded the excellent relations between Ghana and Denmark, and assured Ghana of more development support from his that country.
Mrs. Pataro of Argentina, for her part, said “we are fully committed to work with all public and private sector institutions in Ghana in enhancing our bilateral ties, and we are thankful for your kind support in allowing us to achieve this goal.”
According to her, Argentina shared with Ghana concerns on major global challenges such as food security, climate change, terrorism, peace and security, indicating that Brazil was determined to continue to continue to partner Ghana to address challenges that adversely affect the welfare of the citizenry.
END
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Forestry Commission steps up fight against chainsaw operators
From Edmund Mingle, Akim Oda.
The Forestry Commission is getting tough on illegal felling of trees, as it prepares to establish a Prosecution Unit to handle offences relating to the preservation of the nation’s forests.
The unit, when operational would ensure that the cases are properly prosecuted in the Court to secure severe punishments for the offenders.
It is part of the Commission’s medium to long term strategy to effectively fight illegal felling of trees, popularly known as illegal chainsaw operations, which is a major contributing factor in the fast depletion of the country’s forest cover.
Samuel Afari Dartey, Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, who disclosed the formation of the Unit to newsmen during his inspection of some plantations at Akim Oda in the Eastern region, explained that the setting up of the unit has become imperative since it would ensure that people with the requisite knowledge about forestry laws and issues handled such cases in Court.
He cited instances where offenders have been able to get away with the crimes, or handed meager fines by the Courts due to poor prosecution.
He was hopeful that the unit would start operation by the end of the year, indicating that “we are awaiting the approval from the Attorney General’s Department.”
In addition to the setting up of the Prosecution Unit, Mr. Dartey said the Commission has also been engaging the Judiciary on the need for more deterrent punishments for forestry offences.
According to him many of illegal chainsaw operators find the illegal timber business lucrative because the fines for such offences were not deterrent enough, and therefore, do not provide any disincentive.
As part of the inspection tour, Mr. Dartey, accompanied by other senior officials of the Commission, visited the Commission’s 118 hectare timber plantation at Essan Epam near Akim Oda, number of forest reserves, as well as privately owned timber plantations in the Eastern region.
He also visited a number of wood processing factors in the region where he discussed ways of maximizing the nation’s timber resources to fetch more revenue.
Andy Osei Okrah, Human Resource Director of the Commission, assured the staff of continuous support to enhance their capacity, indicating that the Commission would soon roll out comprehensive training programmes for them.
In addition, he said motors bikes have been procured for distribution to the guards to enhance their mobility in protecting the forests, while efforts were being made to improve their remuneration package.
The Forestry Commission of Ghana is responsible for the regulation of utilization of forest and wildlife resources, the conservation and management of those resources and the coordination of policies related to them.
The Commission embodies the various public bodies and agencies that implement the functions of protection, management, the regulation of forest and wildlife resources.
Ghana realised some 10.3million euros from the export of 31,663 cubic metres of wood products in June 2011, showing a decrease from the previous year’s revenue of 12.7 million euros gained from the 34,858 cubic metres of wood products.
END
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
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
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