I won’t joke with your welfare … Nana tells soldiers

 

By Maxwell Ofori

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has stated his government’s commitment to enriching the human resource base of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), by supporting initiatives that will provide further education for soldiers, sailors and airmen to hone their skills.

 

According to the President, “a contented soldier is one whose remuneration does not unduly distract him from his mandate. My government intends to take your welfare seriously. We are committed to providing you with modern military equipment, which will complement the training you would receive,” the President assured.

The Commander-in-Chief of the GAF made this assertion on Friday, when he joined the Army Officers at Burma Camp for their end of year West African Security Services Association (WASSA) day, where the men and women take a day off at the beginning of the year to refresh themselves, take stock of activities in the last year, and also develop strategies for the new year.

President Akufo-Addo indicated that a number of the pledges made to the Ghana Armed Forces have already been fulfilled, or were already in motion.

He said in furtherance of this government’s commitment to improving the welfare of the service personnel, his administration, in fulfillment of a manifesto pledge, had increased the peacekeeping allowance, effective January 2017, from US$31 to US$35.

He also reiterated his assurance that Ghanaian peacekeepers will, henceforth, receive their allowances whilst on their various duty tours.

“A decision has been taken to ensure all military personnel embarking on peacekeeping missions received their allowances in their areas of operations. No matter what part of the world you find yourself in peacekeeping, you will be paid your allowances there. That is the principle, and we are not going back on it. Peacekeeping money is for peacekeepers,” he said

President Akufo-Addo disclosed that an amount of $13 million was also released recently to clear arrears owed peacekeepers, depicting the government’s eagerness to improve on the welfare of the service men and women.

He said the government would “allocate the necessary resources to protect Ghana’s ciders of communication,”, adding that “today the challenges to Ghana’s security are numerous, complex and sometimes unpredictable. Nevertheless, in the face of all these threats, you continue to discharge duties effectively and professionally.

“All of us owe a debt of gratitude to men and women of the Armed Forces for being prepared to put their lives on the line to keep Ghana safe, safeguard the country’s sovereignty, and protect its territorial integrity. So, as I speak, no soldier is owed any money arising from peacekeeping duties.”

According to the President, the Armed Forces would have to live up to expectations of Ghanaians, by being disciplined and professional in the midst of security threast in and around the country’s borders.

“Ghanaians want an Armed Forces that is disciplined, well-motivated and respectful of the rights and liberties of the people… we have to work together to achieve this goal,” he opined, while adding that “this will be the focus of my government for the Ghana Armed Forces,” and that “government will take your welfare seriously.”

It was a major campaign promise of the New Patriotic Party to review the service duration of the army personnel from 25 years to 30 years. At the get together last Friday, President Akufo-Addo further announced that legislation processes have already begun in this regard, saying: “Legislative review of the armed forces amendment regulation of 1986, LI 1332, has begun. Its purpose is to extend the service duration of other ranks, from the current 25 years to 30 years, in fulfilment of the manifesto promise we made.”

President Akufo-Addo further indicated that his “Government is also committed to constructing a new military hospital in Tamale to service health needs of military personnel in the northern sector of Ghana.”

The Defence Minister, Dominic Nitiwul, on his part, thanked the President for the honour done him by leaving such a critical area under his care, and commended the personnel for their selfless service to the good cause of the nation, while urging them to continually work in the interest of Mother Ghana.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Obed Akwa, expressed gratitude for the time the President spent with the forces, and asserted the allegiance of the officers, men and women of the GAF to the President.

He also assured the President that the GAF would use its resources and skills to protect the integrity of Ghana’s territory, and ensure that there is peace, harmony and security in the country.  Awards were given to some service and civilian personnel who distinguished themselves in the service in the past year.

 

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  By Maxwell Ofori President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has stated his government’s commitment to enriching the human resource base of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), by supporting initiatives that will provide further education for soldiers, sailors and airmen to hone their skills.   According to the President, “a contented soldier is one whose remuneration […]

The post I won’t joke with your welfare … Nana tells soldiers appeared first on The Chronicle - Ghana News.

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