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Graduation parade of cadet officers at the Ghana
Military Academy
Accra, Sept. 4, Ghanadot/GNA - President John Evans Atta Mills,
has urged the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) to deliver on their core
mission of safeguarding Ghana’s territorial integrity as the
nation prepared to exploit its oil find.
He commended the Forces for complementing the efforts of the
Police in crime fighting in recent times and stressed that they
should protect Ghana’s territorial waters as the nation strived
to drill oil in commercial quantities.
The President was addressing a colourful and smart graduation
parade of cadet officers at the Ghana Military Academy and
Training Schools at Teshie, near Accra on Friday.
President Mills charged the Forces to constantly defend the
interest of the nation and represent the best for Ghana.
Ninety-six cadets graduated from the Regular Career Course 49
and Short Service/Special Duties Course 48, and the President
conferred on them the Presidential Commission that marched them
into the Ghana Armed Forces as Second Lieutenants, Lieutenants
and Captains: 74 into the Ghana Army, 10 into the Navy and 12
into the Air Force.
President Mills reiterated government’s decision to concentrate
on pursuing policies and programmes that would enhance the
esprit de corps within members of the Ghana Armed Forces.
He said for starters, government has increased the operational
allowance for troops on external peacekeeping missions from 27
dollars to 30 dollars a day and there had also been an
improvement in the fleet of transport of some key training
institutions.
President Mills said other measures have been initiated and
cited the resolution of the water problem at all military units,
including the Teshie Military enclave.
He said efforts were also being made to solve the problem of
accommodation of young officers and soldiers and the
rehabilitation of Medical reception Stations at all garrisons
and the enhancement in the general pay and allowance for both
troops and civilian employees of the Ministry of Defence.
President Mills said the young officers had chosen to share with
him as the Commander in Chief of the GAF, his primary
responsibility to protect and enhance the safety of Ghanaians.
He said that the safety of soldiers as well as that of the
nation would depend on the sound military judgment of members of
the GAF.
President Mills said “It is a responsibility you have chosen to
share with me and together, we must work relentlessly to build a
Better Ghana,” and challenged the young officers to discharge
their duties professionally.
He said “You should be proud of what you have already achieved.
But you should be sobered by the important responsibilities you
are about to assume both home and abroad”. President Mills
implored.
The President commended the Armed Force for their role in
safeguarding last year’s general electoral process, and urged
the newly commissioned officers, to rise above religious, tribal
or social interest and partisanship to protect the nation’s
democracy.
“You must therefore act at all times with loyalty, undisputed
political impartiality, absolute integrity and undoubted
selflessness.
“You loyalty is to the state and not any religious, tribal,
political or social interests,” President Mills said.
President Mills urged the Military High Command to ensure equity
in its gender integration agenda and offer equal opportunities
devoid of any sectarian considerations.
Real Admiral M M Tahiru, Commandant of the MATS, commended the
diligence, self-sacrifice, resolve and resilience of the
graduating officers in spite of the arduous and mental and
physical exertions during the course.
Senior under Officer Raphael Koleyevu, the best all round
officer cadet was awarded the Sword of Honour, while CSM Doreen
Opoku-Agyeman was adjudged the best female cadet.
GNA
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