Govt. promises to solve soldiers' housing challenges

                                                                                       Monday, January 28, 2013

Soldiers from GAF's special forces unit on parade

By Edmund Mingle & Agnes Opoku Sarpong

The Vice President, Kwesi Amissah Arthur has assured the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) of government’s commitment to deal comprehensively with challenges of accommodation for soldiers.

He said the government acknowledged that in spite of efforts made to address the problem, there were still challenges in the provision of quality accommodation for military personnel.

“This year, the issue of accommodation will be given full attention,” he assured.

Addressing personnel of GAF at this year’s WASSA celebration at Burma Camp in Accra on Friday, Vice President Amissah-Arthur also indicated that emerging challenges regarding the provision of equipment for enhance operations, would be equally addressed.

He commended the personnel of the GAF for their contribution to sustained peace and security in the country, and asked them to be proud of their successful operations in the past year.

“The improved equipment and training available to the Armed Forces paid a significant dividend. You guaranteed us a stable national environment, creating a congenial atmosphere for national peace and development,” he told the soldiers.

In addition, he siiad their effort in international peace support operations continue to give Ghana a very positive image.

He also cited the GAF’s cooperation with the Police in last month’s elections, and the daily joint anti-armed robbery operation, as well as their swift response to disasters relief activities, saying their contributions during 2012 were highly commendable.

“Without your active presence in conflict area, the security situation would certainly have been worse,” he added.

The Vice President also lauded the improved cooperation and understanding between the GAF and the civilian public, but noted that there was room for improvement.

He assured the GAF High Command of government’s continued support and cooperation to enable them to continue delivering on its mandate, and reminded the personnel of the need to remain professional.

Commodore Geoffrey Mawuli Biekro, Chief of Staff at General Headquarters of GAF, in his welcome address, pledged GAF’s renewed commitment to protect the peace being enjoyed by Ghanaians.

“We are ready to put our lives on the line for the people of this country to have peace,” he assured.

He also promised that the military would deliver on its mandate for the meaning development of the nation.

As part of the celebration, two civilian workers-Jonathan Nartey and Vide Adu- who were adjudged best workers for 2012, were awarded.

Also Major Elikem Fiamavle, who won a French essay competition initiated by the Chief of Defence Staff, was honoured.

The essay competition is to encourage the learning of the French by the personnel so that they could easily communication with their counterparts from Francophone countries during international operations.

END