President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has announced the government’s plan to expand the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) to strategically position it to deal with the growing threats of terrorism and violent extremism in the Sahel regions.
Addressing the Ghana Military Academy 2023 graduation parade for regular career course 62 and short service commission /special duties course 60 at the forecourt of the Academy, President Akufo-Addo said his administration has approved various proposals and measures aimed at expanding the Ghana Armed Forces to be positioned strategically to deal with the unavoidable challenge posed by the terrorism phenomenon.
“In supporting this mandate, I have in recent times approved some measures for the expansion of our nation’s Armed Forces. The newly promulgated establishments and units include the National College of Defence Studies.
“Others include 12 Mechanised Battalion Units and Sergeant Major’s Academy. Similarly, the directorates of military records and public relations have been upgraded to departments. The Air Force Support Services Brigade Group in Burma Camp and the Armed Forces Medical Corps have also been expanded.
“Additionally, I have approved the promulgation of Ghana Armed Forces Central Band, Armed Forces Musical School, Armed Forces Fire Service, the School of Ordinance and the Artillery Training School after they were reviewed,” the President said.
The latter, President Akufo-Addo indicated, was expected to enhance the Armed Force’s capabilities to deal decisively with contemporary threats within and outside the country.
“The eminent threats in the Northern part of Ghana have necessitated the establishment of forward operating and logistics bases along our entire Northern border. So far, the government has awarded contracts for the construction of 12 forward operating bases and three logistics bases to help contain the threats emanating from across our northern frontiers.
“These operating bases, which are at various stages of completion, will be resourced with adequate personnel and logistics to deal with such threats that have the potential to disrupt the peace and stability of our country” Akufo-Addo added.
President Akufo-Addo described the parade as “special” as the number of officers commissioned into service is the highest in the history of the Ghana Armed Forces.
On parade were 292 cadets, including two allied cadets from the Republic of Guinea, who were also commissioned into their respective Armed Forces.
Rex Mainoo Yeboah, ISD
