‘The government will continue to expand, modernizing the Armed Forces’ – Akufo-Addo

General news for Saturday, November 14, 2020

Source: NET2 television

2020-11-14

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has said that it is his responsibility as Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces to ensure the continued expansion and modernization of the Ghana Armed Forces, in order to enhance their ability to combat contemporary threats and future. effectively.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony for cadet military officers from Regular Career Course 60 and Short Service Commission and Special Duties Course 58, on Friday, November 13, 2020, President Akufo-Addo stated that, in light of the growing threats to peace and stability in West Africa, “our actions, in this regard, cannot continue as usual.”

At last year’s graduation ceremony, the President reiterated the Government’s commitment to restructure the Ghanaian Armed Forces and also to upgrade the barracks infrastructure to boost morale and operational efficiency.

Specifically, he also indicated his determination to rebuild the Ghana Military Academy and transform it into a world-class institution.

“One year later, I can say that the first phase of the reconstruction work for the Ghana Military Academy is almost complete. The revamped Cadet Officer Disorder and the new Academy Plaza for the Parade have been completed and are fully operational, as we can all see today. The administration block, with its offices and conference rooms, and the two-story classroom block, are almost finished, ”said the President.

He continued: “The second phase of the project will be completed, which includes the construction of an auditorium with capacity for 800 seats, a space for cadets and platoon commanders, and a fence wall around the entire Military Academy, with other service structures. public. by December 2021 “.

In addition to the events taking place at the Ghana Military Academy, President Akufo-Addo told the meeting that the Government is also equipping and rehabilitating training facilities for the Ghana Armed Forces, to help promote effective training.

To that end, he indicated that, three weeks ago, he commissioned a state-of-the-art training facility built for the Ghana Navy at Nutekpor, in the Volta Region, adding that the Bondase Training Ground is also going to see a Facelift, with the provision of additional accommodation and training infrastructure, which will facilitate staff training.

“The Government has also committed more than two hundred million dollars ($ 200 million) for the purchase of more armored vehicles for the Army and the improvement of the equipment and surveillance capacity of the security and intelligence agencies,” he said.

All of these investments, according to the President, are to ensure that our men and women in uniform are well equipped and motivated to fulfill their mandate to safeguard the peace, integrity and security of the nation, as well as to maintain Ghana’s contribution. to international peace. and security.

For the graduate cadet officers, President Akufo-Addo urged them to maintain a healthy relationship with the civilian population, in line with the principles of integration and national cohesion.

“I remind you today that your commission in the Armed Forces places a great responsibility on you to protect yourself against the temptation to wear the uniform to intimidate your civilian counterparts, who are your natural partners in the development of our nation, and whose taxes provide the means for their livelihood as members of the Armed Forces ”, he added.