Former Army Commander commends govt for retooling GAF

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