Ghana Navy takes over guard duties at Jubilee House

A ceremony was on Tuesday held at the Jubilee House for troops from the Ghana Navy to take over guard duties at the seat of government.

Dubbed the change of guards ceremony, the event, which lasted for about 30 minutes, saw the Vice-President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, reviewing the  parade.

With him were the Minister of Defence, Mr Dominic Nitiwul, the Minister for the Interior, Mr Ambrose Dery, the Chief of  Staff, Madam  Akosua Frema Osei Opare, and service commanders.

The impressive display of military artistry saw the Commander of the guards from the Ghana Army, Captain Emmanuel Koomson, handing over to the incoming commander, Lieutenant Robert James Agong of the Ghana Navy.

Background

The change of guard ceremony, which was instituted on May 5, 2013, is the process where new guards exchange duty with the old guards at the Jubilee House, similar to the Queen’s Guard at the Buckingham Palace in the United Kingdom.

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It is an old tradition inherited from the British during the colonial era, and it is purely ceremonial as the guards provide sentries during the day and night and also patrol the premises.

The practice of change of guard, which is conducted on a monthly basis at the seat of government, is also a daily act in every unit of the Ghana Armed Forces.

Significance

The significance of the change of guards is to ensure alertness and readiness of the soldiers at all times, to assess the strength of the soldiers for duty as well as strengthen unity and esprit de corps among the troops.

Schoolchildren from the Noble Professional Institute at Tsui Bleoo, near Teshie, Go-Smart International School, from Afienya, King Fisher International School from Kasoa, Jakcint International School, Fathers Legacy and Pentecost School from Madina in the Greater Accra Region and some members of the public were present to witness the marching and silent drills.