A Former Army Commander of the Ghana Army, Major General Clayton Boanuba Yaache (Rtd) has commended government for retooling the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).
According to him, the retooling of the GAF by the government has placed the Army in the right stead to confidently counter emerging security threats from all fronts.
He was speaking at this year’s West Africa Soldier’s Socialisation Activities (WASSA) organised by the GAF after two-year break due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It was on the theme: “reflecting on our common challenges whilst celebrating our shared success,” and attended by the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) MajGen Thomas Oppong-Peprah, Chiefs of the Naval and Air Staff – Rear Admiral Issah Adam Yakubu and Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Frank Kofi Hanson, respectively, and the Chief of Staff, General Headquarters – Maj Gen Nicholas Peter Andoh.
According to Maj Gen Yaache, the establishment and operationalisation of new brigade headquarters and units in the Ghana Army, had given a boost to the country’s security.
Maj Gen Yaache said the birth of 10 and 11 mechanised battalions in the Upper East and West regions respectively, 155 armoured regiment in the Savannah region, and the disposition of several forward operating bases across the country had enhanced the presence of the military in certain identified flashed points and vulnerable areas.
He stated that continuoustraining for all ranks at the various levels remained the pivotal for professional competence.
He therefore, admonished soldiers to desist from acts which would question the reputation of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) especially acts of sexual exploitation and abuse and other despicable vices.
Maj Gen Yaache (rtd) urged them to work for excellence, exhibit professionalism and loyalty which were the bedrock of the Ghana Army.
Major General Oppog-Peprah awarded staff who distinguished themselves in various fields during
the year.
They are Warrant Officer (W.O) Class II Fiagbedzi Agbeko Comrade as the best male soldier 2022, Corporal Quarshie Doris Horla was awarded the best female soldier 2022.
Also, Madam Grace Sarpong was adjudged the best Female Defence Civilian Staff 2022 while MrSallah Mensah Philip received the Best Male Defence Civilian Staff 2022.
For their prize, they received a table top fridge and a citation.
WASSA is an annual ceremony observed by all units of the Ghana Armed Forces to promote socialisation among military personnel, and to serve as an opportunity to take stock of their work for the year and to strategies for the coming year.
BY JEMIMA ESINAM KUATSINU
