Accra, Feb. 21, - President Nana
Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on Wednesday, said government would strengthen the
pillars that hold the security of the nation, noting that, ensuring security
had become a top global priority.
He said government would provide
the needed resources to the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and other security
agencies to operate effectively in order to safeguard lives and property.
He said it was through mutual
trust, integration of efforts and close union of all stakeholders that would
ensure a safer place for all.
President Akufo-Addo gave the
assurance in a speech read on his behalf by the Vice President, Dr Mahamudu
Bawumia, at the Annual West African Security Services Activity (WASSA) of the
GAF at the Burma Camp in Accra.
The ceremony provides a platform
for the men and women in uniform to fraternise after a year-long service and
strategise the way forward for the coming year.
President Akufo-Addo acknowledged
the support of the donor partners, which had sponsored various projects of the
Armed Forces to enhance its infrastructural development.
He said the government would
continue to improve the economy to sustain the momentum of growth.
“We’re making efforts to upgrade
your capabilities to cope with the challenges of the time,” he assured.
President Akufo-Addo said while
the economy was improving, there was the need to enhance the security of the
nation, adding that national security must move in tandem with economic growth.
The President commended the
soldiers for their admirable professional posture and loyalty for maintaining
peace and harmony in the socio-economic development of the nation.
President Akufo-Addo said the way
to the realisation of the fortunes of the world may be daunting, however, with
the structures put in place to combat the factors that stood in the way of
peace and progress, there would be success at the end of the day.
He acknowledged the efforts of
GAF for its community assistance programmes and safeguarding the territorial
integrity of the country’s borders as well as ensuring rapid response to
natural disasters.
“I sincerely appreciate your
efforts at keeping your values and traditions in the discharge of your
constitutional duties.
“The government and people of
Ghana continue to applaud and cherish sacrifices that the Ghana Armed Forces
made to contain armed robbery and other violent crimes through joint patrols
with the Ghana Police Service.
“Internationally, you continue to
win laurels for this country through your sterling performance in peace support
operations in Dr Congo, South Sudan, Mali, Gambia and other countries and the
Government and people of Ghana are very grateful to you for your gallantry and
commitment to the performance of your roles in these international theatres,”
he said.
President Akufo-Addo applauded
the GAF for its involvement in protecting the environment through Operation
Vanguard, which had made a number of arrest and seized ammunitions and firearms
used by the illegal miners since its inauguration on July 31, 2017.
He said the Armed Forces could
achieve more laurels when given the needed resources and, therefore, gave the
assurance that, the government would support in that regard.
President Akufo-Addo commended
the military for their patience and tolerance at the unfortunate murder of
Major Maxwell Mahama, noting that, the justice system would take its due
course.
He said government and other
civil society organisations had embarked on nationwide sensitisation campaign
on the need to stop mob justice and upon the advice of the National Security,
Operation Calm Life was re-launched in late last year, charged with the
additional mandate of combating the activities of violent land guards.
The President said government had
provided the personnel with 200 Pick-up vehicles for their operations and
assured that, it would provide additional vehicles and other logistics to
ensure the safety of the citizens.
President Akufo-Addo said the
activities of illegal miners, otherwise known as “galamsey”, and nomadic
herdsmen in some parts of the country had become a grave concern to the
government and assured that, government would continue to support “Operation
Vanguard” and “Operation Cow Leg” to flush out illegal miners and nomadic
herdsmen.
President Akufo-Addo empathised
with the families of the two police officers who were killed by some nomadic
herds in Agogo in the Asante Akyim District of the Ashanti Region and wished
the five soldiers who sustained various degrees of injuries a speedy recovery.
“The recent successes registered
by the personnel of Operation Cow Leg for confining herds of cattle to areas
isolated for farming communities in and around Agogo and Droboso in the Ashanti
Region amply demonstrates that, with proper management, the herdsmen and their
cattle can be confined to a system of ranching that will not interfere with
farming activities,” he observed.
He entreated those engaging in
unlawful activities to stop and venture into profitable ventures.
“Those criminal groups involved
in environmental activities that posed security threat to our country, I wish
to advise that, opportunities exist in the economy to channel their energies
into more productive and rewarding enterprises that will earn them a decent
livelihood,” he advised.
The President said it was
important to keep the country together and avoid divisive tendencies that
promoted acrimony and should focus on the road to development to ensure
improvement in the standard of living of the people.
The soldiers were entertained by
popular Highlife Musician, Nana Ampadu, and Gospel Musician, Superintendent
Kofi Sarpong, who gave rendition of their songs, with some men and women in
uniform taking to the dancing floor.
The GAF rewarded four soldiers
who excelled in an essay competition, which focused on pressing national issues
such as environmental cleanliness, sanitation, Free Senior High School Policy,
among others.
The ceremony attracted high
profile personalities, including the Minister of Defence, Dominic Nitiwul,
Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Obed Boamah Akwa, Service Commanders
and senior military officers, as well as retired military officers, the
diplomatic community and the civilian population.
GNA
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