President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has handed over 40 brand new jeeps, 14 Toyota Hilux pick-ups and 6 Toyota Hiace vans to the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) to enhance its operational and logistics capabilities.
Presenting the vehicles to the GAF at Burma Camp in Accra yesterday, the President said the move formed part of efforts to equip the military to enable it contain the security threats posed by jihadist groups in the country’s northern borders.
In addition, the President, who is also the Commander-In-Chief of the GAF, cut the sod for the commencement of work on a US$24.8 million housing project for the troops.
“Forty half compound houses, will be built here at Burma Camp, 10 each at the Naval Base in Sekondi, the Airforce Base in Tamale, the fourth Infantry Battalion in Kumasi and the third Infantry Battalion in Sunyani. When completed, a total of 320 units will be added to the housing stock of the Armed Forces” President Akufo-Addo he said.
The President inspected the ongoing construction of the 7 storey Army headquarters office complex
“This project is costing the taxpayer some GHc 33 million. Undoubtedly, it will boost the image and moral of the Army since the Airforce and Navy already have very beautiful headquarters and we cannot allow the Army to be left out” he said
“As President of the Republic and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, I am fully aware that our economic development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace and security. It will come at a cost, and against other competing demands. These notwithstanding, we continue to make systematic efforts to address the logistical and housing needs of the Armed Forces,” President Akufo-Addo said.
With the threat from the northern border not abating, he said funds had been released for the re-tooling, reconstructing and upgrading of 15 Forward Operating Bases and new units, including the 10 and 11 Mechanised Battalions, 154 Armoured Regiment and 155 Armoured Regiment, and supporting logistics units.
“All these efforts of re-tooling and providing the necessary housing units, will enhance the state of preparedness of the Armed Forces,” he added.
President Akufo-Addo also inspected the progress of work on the Military Academy Infrastructure Upgrade site which began in 2019 and was pleased with the progress of work.
The Minister of Defense, Dominic Nitiwul, said the GAF had benefited under the current administration through various interventions to re-equip and re-tool the forces to enable it carry out its mandate.
The minister said combating contemporary security challenges such as terrorism required real time surveillance capability, high mobility, force protection, fire power and communication
He expressed the government’s commitment to provide the military with all the necessary resources to enable it protect the country’s territorial integrity.
BY YAW KYEI
